Tech

Dell eyeing IBM low-end server buy

IBM is exploring a sale of its low-end server business, according to sources, reviving an effort that came close to yielding a deal last year.

Dell is one party looking at the IBM business, the people said, though it is unclear how seriously.

Last spring, IBM was in advanced discussions to sell all or part of the so-called x86 server business to China’s Lenovo Group, people familiar with the matter said at the time.

But talks broke down amid disagreement between the companies over price. Lenovo put the value of the operation at below $2.5 billion, another person said then.

It isn’t clear if Lenovo is still pursuing the business and whether other possible buyers are in the mix. Timing and contours of any deal couldn’t be learned.

Over the last decade, IBM has sought to exit low-margin businesses like personal computers — a business it sold to Lenovo — and focus more on areas such as software and services where its technological might and consulting expertise produce better profit potential.

This article originally appeared on Marketwatch.com.