French State Acquires Atos' Advanced Computing Division for €410 Million
The acquisition includes supercomputing activities critical for military and nuclear applications.
Atos SE, a French multinational information technology service and consulting company, has accepted a firm offer from the French government to acquire part of its Advanced Computing division for an enterprise value of €410 million.
The transaction focuses on Atos' supercomputing operations, which have significant applications in military and nuclear sectors, thereby making them sensitive for state oversight.
French Economy Minister Eric Lombard expressed optimism regarding the offer, stating it represents an important step in securing the strategic activities linked to supercomputing.
He highlighted the government's role in maintaining and developing critical industrial activities when justifiable by national interests.
The state's offer has been narrowed compared to earlier proposals made in late 2024, omitting Atos' Vision AI activities, a segment that develops artificial intelligence-driven video analysis software.
The exclusion was justified on the grounds that this area is considered less immediate in terms of state relevance.
The negotiations, which began in November 2024, were aimed at establishing a secure framework for both development and growth in supercomputing capabilities.
Initially, Atos estimated the value of the negotiated activities at between €500 million and €625 million, reflecting a larger scope than the current agreement, which reduces the scope of operations.
The Advanced Computing division, which employs approximately 2,500 staff, is expected to generate revenues of around €800 million in 2025. The firm’s presentation of its financial trajectory for 2028 remains unaffected by the upcoming sale, maintaining a projected revenue range of €9 to €10 billion.
The agreement includes a conditional price supplement of €110 million based on profitability metrics over the fiscal years 2025 and 2026, with €50 million expected upon the closure of the transaction and €60 million contingent on meeting defined performance indicators.
Representatives from the French Ministry of Economy indicated that the finalization of the deal is anticipated between the end of the first quarter and the end of the second quarter of 2026, citing the complexity involved in separating these operations from Atos' other business segments.
Atos has confirmed that Vision AI activities will be repositioned within its Eviden branch to form a new division.
The company's stocks reflected market sentiments, with Atos shares experiencing a decline of 2.3% to €37.69 shortly after the announcement.
The transaction focuses on Atos' supercomputing operations, which have significant applications in military and nuclear sectors, thereby making them sensitive for state oversight.
French Economy Minister Eric Lombard expressed optimism regarding the offer, stating it represents an important step in securing the strategic activities linked to supercomputing.
He highlighted the government's role in maintaining and developing critical industrial activities when justifiable by national interests.
The state's offer has been narrowed compared to earlier proposals made in late 2024, omitting Atos' Vision AI activities, a segment that develops artificial intelligence-driven video analysis software.
The exclusion was justified on the grounds that this area is considered less immediate in terms of state relevance.
The negotiations, which began in November 2024, were aimed at establishing a secure framework for both development and growth in supercomputing capabilities.
Initially, Atos estimated the value of the negotiated activities at between €500 million and €625 million, reflecting a larger scope than the current agreement, which reduces the scope of operations.
The Advanced Computing division, which employs approximately 2,500 staff, is expected to generate revenues of around €800 million in 2025. The firm’s presentation of its financial trajectory for 2028 remains unaffected by the upcoming sale, maintaining a projected revenue range of €9 to €10 billion.
The agreement includes a conditional price supplement of €110 million based on profitability metrics over the fiscal years 2025 and 2026, with €50 million expected upon the closure of the transaction and €60 million contingent on meeting defined performance indicators.
Representatives from the French Ministry of Economy indicated that the finalization of the deal is anticipated between the end of the first quarter and the end of the second quarter of 2026, citing the complexity involved in separating these operations from Atos' other business segments.
Atos has confirmed that Vision AI activities will be repositioned within its Eviden branch to form a new division.
The company's stocks reflected market sentiments, with Atos shares experiencing a decline of 2.3% to €37.69 shortly after the announcement.
