The news fell like a new blow for Atos.
The European group Airbus announced on Wednesday that it is giving up acquiring nearly 30% of Evidian, the company that Atos must create to house its cybersecurity activities in particular.
The two groups had been in non-exclusive negotiations since February 16.
“
Airbus has come to the conclusion that the potential acquisition of a 29.9% minority stake in Evidian does not correspond to the objectives of the company
“Said a spokesperson for the company.
The decision was made the day before, during an Airbus board meeting.
In February, the fund the boss of the British investment fund TCI had put pressure on the management of Airbus, asking him to give up an operation which he considered harmful to the interests of all shareholders.
According to sources close to Airbus, quoted by BFMTV, several directors questioned the price to be paid – around 1.2 billion – for a stake which did not give him control of the entity.
Moreover, Evidian's scope of activities - which goes far beyond cybersecurity activities - was broader than the real interest of the aircraft manufacturer.
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Atos takes note of Airbus' decision to no longer pursue the discussions started in February 2023 (...).
Atos confirms that the Group will explore other options with Airbus and will continue to work on the long-term strategic and technological partnership between Airbus and Atos,
” the IT group said in a statement.
Atos shares fell more than 16% on the Paris Stock Exchange on Wednesday, the worst performance of the SBF 120 in a generally bullish market.
