Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) and Dell Inc. (DELL): Get in the Game!

Meanwhile, another pillar of the “PC establishment,” computer maker Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL), announced it was postponing the shareholder vote that was to be held today on Silver Lake Partners and Michael Dell’s going-private offer of $13.65 per share. The board, which supports the offer, isn’t sure they have cinched the votes to push it through — the latest reports suggest the outcome is a coin toss.

While the board’s pussyfooting may reflect legitimate uncertainty concerning the durability and value of Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL)’s franchise, it also sends a terrible message to shareholders, raising legitimate concerns regarding the quality of the governance at Dell. That’s hardly a reassuring thought at a time when the company, like Microsoft, must navigate a radical shift in its industry.

Fool contributor Alex Dumortier, CFA has no position in any stocks mentioned; you can follow him on LinkedIn. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft.

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