DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Dell Inc. (DELL) agreed to buy information-technology service provider Perot Systems Corp. (PER), long seen as a Dell target, for $3.9 billion as the company looks to diversify away from its core personal-computer business which has been struggling for some time.

Nearly 80% of Dell's revenue comes from corporate computer buying, and they have been retrenching amid slumps in their own businesses.

With Perot, whose shareholders would get a 68% premium to Friday's closing price with the $30 offer, Dell will be able to bolster Dell's information-technology services portfolio and expand Perot's reach farther across the globe. Perot had been seeking to expand internationally to reduce its exposure to the U.S.

The deal is set to close no later than January and not boost Dell's earnings for several years. Its stock fell 5% premarket to $15.85.

Perot will become Dell's services unit and will be led by its current chief executive, Peter Altabef. Also, Dell's board will consider Perot Chairman Ross Perot Jr. for a seat.

Last month, Perot said its second-quarter profit rose slightly thanks to improved margins despite a drop in sales. But it gave a third-quarter revenue forecast below analysts' expectations. Meanwhile, Dell posted a 23% profit drop last quarter as it continues to suffer from weak spending in technology.

-By Joan E. Solsman, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2291; joan.solsman@dowjones.com