DELL IS ON THE PROWL

摘要

In a strategic shift, Dell plans to get more aggressive about acquisitions. The Round Rock (Tex.) PC maker, led by CEO Michael Dell, has bought just 10 companies in the past three years, far fewer than rivals such as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Cisco Systems. But with PC sales slowing, Dell executives say that is going to change - and the company has amassed a $10 billion war chest.rnIn a sign of how serious Dell is about acquisitions, it is trying to recruit David Johnson, a 27-year IBM veteran who has cut Big Blue's key deals in recent years and left the company in May. IBM is suing to stop the move. Last month it filed suit against Johnson in a New York court, arguing that his joining Dell would violate a noncompete agreement.rnDell says its move to "inorganic growth" will go forward whatever the suit's outcome. Brian T. Gladden, chief financial officer, told BusinessWeek that Dell is eyeing tech companies that help businesses manage computer networks and equipment. He declined to discuss specifics, but here are six companies that analysts, bankers, and former Dell executives say merit a close look: