French company Thales is in talks to buy the cybersecurity business of IT consultancy group Atos for $3 billion, Reuters reported.
“BDS is not for sale,” Atos’ spokesperson said. “We are focused on our turnaround plan and we’re convinced of the considerable turnaround potential of the group.”
Thales, which ranks as Europe’s largest defence electronics company, and its adviser Centerview Partners have approached several private equity firms including Bain Capital to explore a possible joint offer as part of a deal that would involve a complex break-up of Atos.
Thales said on Wednesday that it was potentially interested in any cybersecurity asset up for sale and that there were no talks underway with Atos.
