Report: Icahn may bid for computer maker Dell

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that billionaire investor Carl Icahn has joined the list of possible bidders for computer maker Dell.

WSJ.com says Icahn and the Blackstone Group, "each notified a special committee of Dell's board that they are working on firm bids for the computer maker, which will afford them four more days to put together offers, people familiar with the matter said."

Blackstone's interest was reported Friday.

Icahn had opposed the buyout, saying it undervalues the company. He suggested earlier this month that Dell instead pay a special $9-a-share dividend to stockholders.

Dell's board of directors set a 5-day deadline, ended Friday, for a potential bid that tops the $24.4 billion buyout offer from a group of investors that includes CEO Michael Dell.

Before Icahn's name surfaced, the Associated Press said deep pocketed Blackstone Group could be the most likely candidate to outbid Dell. The initial buyout deal from the group led by CEO Michael Dell has been met with opposition from shareholders, including Southeastern Asset Management, Dell's second largest shareholder.

Michael Dell, backed by other investors led by investment firm Silver Lake, is trying to buy out the company for $13.65 per share.