Dell Got Game With Alienware Buy

In recent years, though, Dell has increasingly targeted the market for high-end gaming systems with its XPS line of PCs.

Dell did not disclose how much it paid for Alienware, but said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the company to further satisfy the growing number of consumers and businesses seeking the highest-performance PC products.

"Alienware's products are an excellent complement to Dell's own line of high-performance computers design for gaming, enthusiast and media content customers," Chairman Michael Dell said in a statement.

According to Dell, Alienware will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary after completion of the transaction and will maintain its own product development, product marketing, sales, technical support and other operations.

Alienware's management will continue to operate the company as a standalone unit of Dell.

In a statement posted on the Alienware Web site, co-founder Nelson Gonzalez said that Alienware's business autonomy was a crucial part of the deal.

"The ability to make stand-alone business decisions about the Alienware brand and product portfolio will be the key to our continued success," said Gonzalez.

"You're not going to see Alienware logos show up on Dell products and vice versa. Our Web site is not going to change, and the majority of our business practices will stay the same," Gonzalez's statement later noted.

Shares of Dell were recently up 2 cents to $30.43 in extended trading.

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