Dell's fourth quarter sales top estimates

Computer maker Dell reported fiscal fourth-quarter sales and profit that topped analysts’ estimates, although sales of personal computers slumped.

Revenues at the company, which is planning to go private in a $24.4 billion (€18.3 billion) deal, fell 11 per cent to $14.3 billion in the period that ended in January, exceeding the $14.1 billion average estimate of analysts.

The results suggest chief executive officer Michael Dell has made headway in his campaign to transform the company into a provider of a broad range of business-technology products.

Michael Dell and Silver Lake Management LLC offered $13.65 a share to

take Dell private in the largest LBO since the financial crisis.