Dell has acquired information technology and business solutions company Perot Systems for around $3.9 billion ($30 per share -- a 68% premium). The cash purchase will anchor Dell's global IT services division, and will allow the computer-maker to expand its range of services, in addition to snagging it a few hardware sales from existing Perot customers.

The move comes as Dell loses ground to rivals like HP -- the top dog in PC sales. Dell reported a profit decline of 23% to $472 million ($.24 per share), and 22% less sales during the quarter ending July. The company is heavily reliant on enterprise PC sales -- which slipped by 32% year-over-year in the period. Dell hopes to expand beyond the PC business, which will allow it to compete more aggressively.

The acquisition will bring it more than 1,000 new customers in government, manufacturing, health care, and financial services. Some 48% of Perot Systems' revenue comes from the health care industry, and about 25% from government, which includes the US Department of Homeland Security and the military.