Dell to buy Perot Systems for US$3.9 billion

Dell is to acquire IT services firm Perot Systems in a transaction valued at US$3.9 billion (AU$4.5 billion), a decision approved yesterday by both firms' boards of directors.

The resulting brand would be able to, "provide a broader range of IT services and solutions, optimising how they’re delivered," said Dell in a statement.

Dell chief executive Michael Dell said the takeover would significantly expand the supplier's capabilities and make Perot Systems’ strengths available to even more customers around the world.

"There will be efficiencies from combining the companies, but the acquisition makes such great sense because of the obvious ways our businesses complement each other,” he said.

Perot Systems' chairman of the board Ross Perot Jr. said: "Today’s announcement is the next step in formalising a relationship that has flourished for some time."

Dell said that together the takeover would create an IT services firm with US$8 billion (AU$9.2 billion) in services revenue.

Dell expects the transaction to close in its November-January fiscal quarter, subject to government approvals and other customary conditions.