Dell to Learn Fate as $24.4 Billion Buyout Heads to Vote

Just as political elections are determined by precisely who comes out to vote, so it may be with Michael Dell’s proposed $24.4 billion buyout of the computer maker he founded 29 years ago.

The chief executive officer’s bid for Dell Inc. comes to a head -- again -- today in a vote whose success may hinge on prodding hold-out shareholders to cast ballots. A special committee of Dell’s board postponed the first scheduled vote on July 18, when the buyout faced likely defeat.