Atos' big data sale hits roadblock as Airbus backs out

French IT firm scrambles for options as potential Airbus deal collapses amid national security concerns

French IT reseller Atos has seen its plans to sell off its big data and cybersecurity division scuppered after Airbus informed the firm that it will not proceed with discussions to acquire the unit.

The abrupt halt to the negotiations leaves Atos reassessing its strategic options while also pledging to address any national security concerns from French authorities over the potential sale of its sensitive data analytics and security assets.

Atos stated it "is analysing the resulting situation and actively evaluating strategic alternatives that will take into consideration the sovereign imperatives of the French state."

According to Reuters, the collapse of this potential deal sent Atos' shares plunging 19.16 per cent to a record low closing price of €1.7380.

French finance ministry said in a statement, "All of France's interests will be protected. (Finance Minister) Bruno Le Maire will use all the means at his disposal to guarantee the protection of strategic activities."

The news agency explained that Atos secures communications for the French military and secret services and manufactures servers for supercomputers used in research and AI development.

"With regard to Atos' sensitive activities, in particular big data & security, the French government will come up in the coming weeks with a national solution for the protection of strategic activities," the finance ministry added.

This is the second time in a year a proposal to buy assets from the Atos has fallen through, after EPEI refused to go through with the deal to buy the Tech Foundations business.

The failure adds pressure on Atos, amid profit warnings, leadership churn, and the collapse of another potential sale.