September 21st, 2009
Dell to buy Perot Systems for $3.9 billion
Dell says it has agreed to buy the IT services company Perot Systems for about $3.9 billion as it looks to expand beyond the PC business.
The Round Rock, Texas-based Dell said Monday that it will offer $30 per share in cash for Perot, which is based in Plano, Texas, 200 miles away.
[Official Dell statement] [Perot Systems statement]
Dell said it expects to close the deal in the November-January quarter.
Dell said that Perot, founded by former presidential candidate Ross Perot, will expand the company’s IT services offerings and widen the pool of potential customers for its computers.
Specifically, Dell said Perot would help it:
- Provide a broader range of IT services and solutions and optimize how they’re delivered;
- Extend the reach of Perot Systems’ capabilities around the world; and,
- Supply leading Dell computer systems to even more Perot Systems customers.
Dell said the two companies share “complementary” characteristics, including “relationship-based business cultures.”
Also: Dell: Perot Systems purchase an ‘anchor’ acquisition; More deals likely
Perot Systems is known for offering services for applications, technology, infrastructure, business processes and consulting. It has clients in health care, government and other commercial segments, from SMEs to large global institutions; it also has a large and growing base of customers and service-delivery capabilities in North America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and Asia.
In the last year, Dell and Perot had a combined $16 billion in enterprise-hardware and IT-services revenue, with about $8 billion from enhanced services and support, the companies said.
Once the acquisition is complete, Perot will become Dell’s services unit and be led from Plano by Peter Altabef, the current Perot Systems chief executive officer.
Dell directors are expected to consider Ross Perot Jr., Perot Systems’ chairman of the board, for appointment to the Dell board.
Andrew J. Nusca is an associate editor for ZDNet and SmartPlanet.
See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
