Six weeks ago Microsoft executives made an unsolicited call to Mr. Bates and Silver Lake's Mr. Durban, said people familiar with the matter.

WSJ: Skype Investors Will Reap a Windfall

In a flurry of phone calls, Silver Lake's point man on the deal said he couldn't budge on price and that he had to tell his partners the deal likely was dead.

WSJ: Dell Director Becomes Middleman in Buyout Battle

While Mr. Mandl initially was skeptical of a buyout, he shuttled between Mr. Dell andEgon Durban, Silver Lake's point man in the buyout talks, to make sure Dell shareholders got the best deal possible, said people close to the talks.

WSJ: Dell Director Becomes Middleman in Buyout Battle