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Atos enters talks to sell EcoAct as divestment plan nears end

The French reseller’s divestment programme is continuing as the company enters yet another negotiation to sell its sustainability solutions business

Credit: Atos

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Credit: Atos

Digital transformation reseller Atos has entered into exclusive negotiations with Schneider Electric for the sale of climate consulting and net-zero solutions provider EcoAct and its subsidiaries.

With this potential transaction, Atos would secure its divestment programme of non-core assets while engaging in a strategic partnership with Schneider Electric on decarbonisation.

EcoAct offers a portfolio of services which covers the net-zero transition value chain, from planning and forecasting to carbon offsetting.

The company generated revenues of approximately €70m (£60m) in FY22 and currently employs close to 400 people.

Atos only acquired EcoAct in October 2020 along with its 160-strong headcount.

The proposed transaction does not include Atos' digital net-zero transformation practice, dedicated to supporting its customers in all industries to catalyse their decarbonisation goals, which will be kept within the Atos Group.

Atos would also cooperate closely with Schneider Electric combining technology and sustainability expertise to build products and solutions with the aim of enhancing its customers' paths to net zero.

Atos said it remains highly committed to its own sustainability engagements which are set to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2039.

Completing divestment

The deal, in addition to the ongoing divestments already engaged, would allow Atos to complete its divestment programme ahead of the schedule announced at the Group's Capital Markets Day on June 14, 2022.

The divestment plan has already seen the sale of businesses the likes of logistics software business, Sislog, and its UCC arm.

The programme has been found as somewhat of a success leading to growth in its 2023 Q1 results earlier this year.

"We are very pleased with this proposed transaction, after which we would have secured more than 100 per cent of our divestment programme and delivered on our commitment," said Diane Galbe, senior executive vice president at Atos.

"Our transformation plan has already showed encouraging performance results, and we have further reinforced our clients' confidence in our ability to accompany them in their digital challenges.

"Digitisation and decarbonisation are key for all businesses today.

"Thanks to this future partnership with Schneider Electric we look forward to developing leading edge offers to accelerate customers' journeys to net zero."

The deal is expected to close in H2 2023.