Atos aims for strategic government deal

The French government remains committed to acquiring Atos’ strategic assets.
Atos continues negotiations with the French government, aiming to sell its cybersecurity and supercomputing units after an initial offer expired.

Atos, the French IT firm, is pushing forward with efforts to sell its most strategic assets, including cybersecurity and supercomputing units, to the French government. The company, which supports the country’s military and secret services, announced that despite the expiration of an initial offer, discussions remain open, with a new proposal already submitted.

The company has been undergoing financial restructuring, having secured an agreement with key creditors earlier this year. The government in France, keen to retain control over critical technology, intends to continue negotiations and has promised a revised acquisition plan soon.

Atos shares have experienced a severe decline, falling 0.6% in early Paris trading and down 90% overall this year. Concerns over the country’s budget deficit, expected to reach 6.1% of GDP this year, may affect the government’s ability to mobilise the necessary funds for the acquisition.

The strategic assets at stake include Atos’ Advanced Computing, Critical Systems, and Cyber Products units. These divisions employ around 4,000 people and generate nearly €900 million in annual revenue. Any deal would require approval from the Nanterre Commercial Court, with a decision expected later this month.