Big Data Security Analytics , Governance and Risk Management , Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)
Proposed acquisition of aerospace company worth up to €1.8 billion
Akshaya Asokan (asokan_akshaya), Jayant Chakravarti (@JayJay_Tech) •
January 3, 2024
In an update on Wednesday, French IT consultancy Atos said: said it is in early-stage talks with Airbus to sell its cybersecurity division for an estimated 1.8 billion euros (1.79 billion). An Atos spokesperson said the negotiations were not exclusive and that Atos would soon “begin the due diligence phase with Airbus.”
Related item: 57 tips to protect your organization
Airbus made an initial offer of between 1.5 billion euros and 1.8 billion euros, or between $1.63 billion and $1.79 billion, for Atos’ big data security business unit, Atos said.
An Airbus spokesperson told Information Security Media Group that the aviation giant has submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire Atos’ BDS business line. The division is part of his Evidian, his Atos company that develops access management, digital identity and data protection solutions.
“The acquisition of BDS will significantly accelerate Airbus’ digital transformation, strengthening the airline’s defense and security portfolio with strong capabilities in cyber, advanced computing and artificial intelligence, and supporting Airbus’ decarbonization roadmap. “There is a nature,” the spokesperson said.
Airbus said the acquisition would support its growth as a leader in European aerospace, defense and cybersecurity, but cautioned that discussions were at an early stage and subject to due diligence.
Airbus attempted to acquire a 29.9% stake in Atos’ Evidian business in March, but the two companies withdrew the offer after they could not reach an agreement. In January 2023, Evidian’s valuation was at his $5.76 billion (see below) Airbus and Atos sign agreement to acquire minority stake in Evidian CyberArm).
Atos said it is willing to sell additional assets to raise more funds, particularly in negotiations with EPEI. sell The company’s Tech Foundations division has stalled.
capital watch report In October, French defense electronics company Thales expressed interest in acquiring Atos’ data and cybersecurity business, but a formal acquisition never materialized. But instead, Thales expanded its footprint in the data security market with his $3.6 billion acquisition of API security leader Imperva last July (see: Thales from PE firm Thoma Bravo) He acquired Imperva for his $3.6 billion).
Paris-based Atos is touted as the world’s largest managed security services vendor, serving a wide range of customers in the public and private sectors. However, the company continues to struggle to repay more than 2 billion euros in debt. driven By customers moving from on-premises IT services to cloud-based services.