Interesting that this hasn't been posted yet:
Microsoft participates in Dell buyout talks - Corporate - News - HEXUS.net
Talk about investing in cheap and nasty.
[The Wall Street Journal reports that Microsoft is in talks with private equity firm Silver Lake Partners and Michal Dell to help finance a deal that would take Dell Inc. off the stock market and into private ownership. As yet there has been no commitment from Microsoft to take part in the deal but “people familiar with the talks” said Microsoft is likely to contribute $2 billion of the necessary $22 billion price tag for Dell Inc. Spokespeople for Microsoft and Dell have yet to comment.
Microsoft participates in Dell buyout talks - Corporate - News - HEXUS.net
Talk about investing in cheap and nasty.