The French government has made a non-binding €500 million offer for Atos’ advanced computing division, which includes artificial intelligence and supercomputing technologies vital for national security. Employing 2,500 people and generating €570 million in revenue in 2023, the unit could fetch up to €625 million through performance-based bonuses. The deal, if signed, would provide an initial €150 million to the debt-stricken IT firm.
Atos has been undergoing a restructuring process since early 2024, burdened by €2.9 billion in loans and declining revenue forecasts. Recent efforts to stabilize include converting debt into equity, securing €1.675 billion in new loans, and initiating a €233 million rights issue.
The French government underscores the strategic importance of Atos’ technologies for defense and sovereignty. A previous bid for parts of the division in June failed to materialize, but exclusive negotiations are now underway, with the offer set to expire in May.
To further streamline operations, Atos plans to sell its mission-critical systems and cybersecurity units, which earned €340 million in 2023, while aiming to conclude its restructuring by January 2025.
