Deals
Thales Weighs Partnering With Private Equity on Atos Deal
- French defense specialist has held early discussions with Atos
- Atos shares bounce, giving it 3.9 billion-euro market value
Photographer: Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images
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Thales SA, the French defense company, is discussing teaming up with private equity on a potential takeover of technology services provider Atos SE, people familiar with the matter said.
Thales, which is interested in Atos’s cybersecurity business, BDS, has been speaking with several investment firms to gauge their interest in joining a deal, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. A private equity partner could pick up Atos assets that Thales isn’t interested in owning, according to the people.