Atos SE has provided an update on the ongoing discussions with the French State regarding the potential acquisition of its Advanced Computing, Mission-Critical Systems, and Cybersecurity Products businesses, operated under its Bull Defense and Security (BDS) division. These discussions are part of a broader strategic initiative involving the French government’s interest in maintaining control over critical national infrastructure, and they remain a key focus for both parties as Atos navigates its financial restructuring process.
The non-binding confirmatory offer received from the French State for the acquisition of BDS’s Advanced Computing, Mission-Critical Systems, and Cybersecurity Products businesses officially expired on October 4, following revisions made on September 30. Despite the expiration of this offer, Atos remains committed to continuing negotiations with the French State. The company has submitted an alternative proposal that is structured to align with its ongoing financial restructuring efforts.
The Advanced Computing and Cybersecurity divisions under Atos are crucial to France’s national security and technological sovereignty. These units play a vital role in delivering high-performance computing solutions, mission-critical systems, and advanced cybersecurity services that are integral to the nation’s defense, aerospace, and security sectors. Given the strategic importance of these sectors, the French State is keen on retaining oversight and control over these operations.
Atos’s cybersecurity portfolio, in particular, has positioned the company as Europe’s leading provider of cloud and cybersecurity solutions, offering robust defenses against the evolving cyber threat landscape. These tailored cybersecurity offerings are essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure across various industries, including government, healthcare, financial services, and defense.
To protect France’s national interests, Atos and the French State have discussed measures to maintain sovereign control over sensitive operations. As part of this commitment, Atos is in the process of granting the French State protective rights over critical and sensitive operations through the issuance of a preferred share in Bull SA. This share will provide the French State with specific oversight and decision-making powers related to defense and cybersecurity assets.
The expiration of the French State’s non-binding offer does not impact Atos’s current financial restructuring plan, which is focused on preserving the value of the Advanced Computing, Mission-Critical Systems, and Cybersecurity businesses within the company’s organizational structure. The restructuring plan will be submitted to the Nanterre Commercial Court for approval on October 15 as part of Atos’s accelerated safeguard procedure.
In response to the expired offer, Atos has proposed an alternative solution to continue discussions with the French State. This proposal aligns with the company’s financial restructuring plan and emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a constructive dialogue with the French government on sovereign interests in cybersecurity, advanced computing, and mission-critical systems.
The strategic importance of cybersecurity continues to grow as digital transformation advances across industries. Atos’s comprehensive cybersecurity services play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure and securing sensitive data. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, governments and businesses are under pressure to enhance their defenses, making Atos a key player in the cybersecurity ecosystem.
For France, control over cybersecurity assets is not just a business matter—it’s about maintaining the integrity and security of critical systems. The French State’s involvement in discussions concerning the cybersecurity, advanced computing, and mission-critical systems sectors reflects the high stakes involved in safeguarding national security interests.
As the process unfolds, the outcome of Atos’s alternative proposal and the implementation of the preferred share in Bull SA will be closely monitored. These developments will determine the level of oversight the French State will have over its most sensitive operations, underscoring the significance of maintaining control over critical national infrastructure.