Sir Michael said supermarkets could offer cheaper shopping and cater for a wider public but said there should be local debate on such issues.

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In February, Michael Dell confirmed an offer to buy out his PC company for USD 24.4bn alongside Silver Lake Partners, which attracted competing bids from Carl Icahn and Blackstone.

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The PC-maker agreed to a buyout offer from founder Michael Dell and Silver Lake Partners a few months ago, but resistance from shareholders called the deal into question as Blackstone and billionaire Carl Icahn circled the company.

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