Alienware responds to take-over speculation

PC manufacturer Alienware has issued a statement in response to recent speculation of a take-over bid by industry rivals Dell, with the company refusing to comment on what at this stage is merely a rumour.

News of the potential buy-out was sparked a few weeks ago when Voodoo PC CEO Rahul Sood raised the suggestion in his Internet blog. Sood stated: "The PC gaming market is threatening Dell's 'perceived technology leadership' - and ultimately the consumer space. The Alienware brand is cooler than Dell, and perhaps a likely candidate for Dell to take over based on size alone."

Dell Australia and New Zealand spokesperson, Paul McKeon, was quick to dispel the rumour, bringing the original source (another rival PC manufacturer) into question. "I'd suggest you take that speculation with a grain of salt given the origin stated in the blog - you can never be sure what the motivation is," McKeon commented.

"Dell's XPS range already offers better performance and better value than Alienware's machines, and in the XPS mobile concept you've seen the potential of one of the cool new things Dell could do this year," he added.

The rumour has been given a little extra weight, an unnamed source at "a high-end vendor" telling CNET.com senior associate editor that "the deal has been done" and adding that he had received an influx of resumes from Alienware employees.

Whilst Alienware has not confirmed the take-over bid, the company's statement follows a standard 'no comment' line, and an outright denial of the suggestion has not yet been issued.

Alienware's statement reads: "At this time, Alienware will not comment on any speculative stories or rumors concerning Dell and Alienware's association. While we do believe that news stories like this are ultimately a strong positive reinforcement of the Alienware brand and the company's success, we will not comment on speculation or potential future events."