French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has taken a significant step by announcing his intention to acquire the “sovereign activities” of debt-laden French tech giant Atos. Atos, known for its involvement in critical projects such as managing supercomputers for France’s nuclear deterrent and serving as the IT partner for the upcoming Paris Olympics, is currently facing challenges due to a substantial debt burden amounting to nearly five billion euros.
The financial difficulties faced by Atos have raised concerns about cybersecurity, particularly with regards to the Paris Olympics scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. The company is responsible for managing more than 300,000 accreditations for the event, making it a crucial player in ensuring the security and success of the international sporting competition.
Minister Le Maire has emphasized the need to prevent foreign ownership of strategic activities conducted by Atos. In a move to safeguard these critical operations, he has initiated efforts to acquire the sovereign activities of the tech giant. By doing so, the French government aims to avoid sensitive assets from falling under the control of foreign entities that may compromise national interests.
The targeted activities include the management of supercomputers, servers utilizing artificial intelligence and quantum computing, as well as cybersecurity products. These operations contribute significantly to Atos’s annual revenue, amounting to 900 million euros out of the company’s total income of approximately 11 billion euros. Moreover, these activities support the employment of around 4,000 individuals, primarily based in France.
The French government has already provided a 50-million-euro loan to Atos as part of its efforts to stabilize the company. In return for the financial support, the state has acquired a preferential share that grants oversight of Atos’s critical big data operations. This intervention reflects the government’s commitment to protecting vital national assets and ensuring the sustainability of key technological capabilities.
According to Minister Le Maire’s office, discussions have been ongoing with various industrial groups regarding the acquisition of Atos’s sovereign activities. The involvement of these stakeholders indicates a collaborative approach towards addressing the challenges faced by the tech giant and securing essential operations for the future. By engaging in dialogue with industry partners, the government seeks to garner support and expertise in managing the transition process effectively.
Minister Le Maire’s proactive stance in acquiring the sovereign activities of Atos demonstrates a strategic effort to safeguard national interests and technological capabilities. The move not only addresses immediate financial concerns but also underscores the importance of maintaining control over critical assets in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Through decisive actions and collaborative engagement with industry players, the French government aims to secure the future of Atos’s vital operations and uphold sovereignty in key technological domains.
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