Dell Delays Ballot on CEO’s Takeover Amid Vote Search

The battle for Dell Inc. moved into a new, crucial phase as Michael Dell’s camp was given another week to round up votes for his proposed $24.4 billion takeover even as he was said to remain adamant about not sweetening his $13.65-a-share offer.

Facing almost certain defeat of the leveraged buyout, the Dell board postponed a shareholder meeting yesterday until July 24, a move that would allow Dell more time to persuade investors to change their minds or corral the 23 percent of eligible voters said to have abstained from casting ballots.