France Moves to Acquire Atos’ Advanced Computing Unit in €410 Million Deal

The French government made an official offer to purchase a portion of Atos’ former Advanced Computing business for €410 million (approximately $466 million). This move is part of France’s broader strategy to secure control over critical technologies vital to national security, such as supercomputing and cybersecurity. The Vision AI segment, however, is excluded from the deal and will be repositioned under Atos’ Eviden business unit.

Atos, once a flagship European tech firm valued at over €10 billion, encountered serious financial difficulties in recent years. A turnaround began in 2024, following a major restructuring agreement with creditors, which involved divesting non-core assets. The French government’s offer builds on a prior expression of interest from November 2024, which targeted Atos’ Advanced Computing, Critical Systems, and Cyber Products businesses. These units, which belong to the company’s cybersecurity-focused BDS (Big Data and Security) division, employ about 4,000 people and generate roughly €900 million in annual revenue.

The proposed acquisition is part of a national initiative to preserve technological sovereignty and prevent foreign control over sectors deemed strategically essential. Bringing these assets under state ownership is seen as a way to bolster France’s digital infrastructure and defense capabilities.

If the deal proceeds, it would mark a significant milestone in both Atos’ recovery efforts and France’s industrial policy, reinforcing the government’s role in safeguarding strategic technology. The transaction still requires regulatory approvals and final agreement terms but represents a key moment in reshaping the future of French high-tech leadership.