Airbus is no longer interested in Atos’ BDS (Big Data & Security) activities and is withdrawing its takeover offer.

In a statement to the Paris Stock Exchange, Atos reported that Airbus was no longer interested in the company’s BDS activities. “Atos is analyzing the resulting situation and is actively evaluating strategic alternatives that take into account the sovereign obligations of the French state,” the company’s statement continued.

The failure of the takeover talks is forcing Atos to postpone its 2023 figures until the “near future” “to examine strategic options”.

Since the controversial split of Atos in 2022, BDS activities have been part of the part of the company known as Eviden. This division is also active in the supercomputer market and recently won a major order there. All activities related to data center, hosting, digital workplace and unified communications were transferred to the Atos Tech Foundations branch.

Airbus attempted to buy into Atos’ cybersecurity division in March 2023, but Atos did not appear interested at the time. Both parties deepened their cooperation. At the beginning of 2024, Airbus made a takeover offer worth 1.5 to 1.8 billion euros, but there will now be no takeover. Atos may be looking for another buyer again. The French government hopes that the BDS department will remain in French hands.