Icahn in Dell confidentiality agreement CORPORATE raider Carl Icahn says his investment firm has entered into a confidentiality agreement with Dell, which is facing a battle over its plans to take the computer maker private. The agreement will allow Icahn access to detailed financial information which is not publicly available. A brief statement issued by Icahn said the agreement was signed on Sunday. "Icahn Enterprises looks forward to commencing its review of Dell's confidential information," the statement said. Icahn has taken a stake in Dell and is opposing the buyout plan led by founder Michael Dell, claiming it undervalues the company, according to documents released by Dell. Icahn on Friday told AFP he is doing what he has always done: pressing companies and chief executives to perform better and reward investors better. "What we do by shaking up a large number of companies that need shaking up is very salutary for our economy," Icahn said in an exclusive telephone interview. "Many of our companies, but with many exceptions, are run by CEOs that should not be running them," Icahn said. And as a result, these corporations are not as productive as they should be. Some reports indicate other offers could be made for Dell which are higher than the $US24.4 billion ($A24.02 billion) buyout. Icahn's letter last week suggested a special dividend paid to shareholders would be a better plan.