France Moves to Acquire Atos’ Strategic Supercomputing Division in €410M Deal

Government Steps In to Secure Critical Tech Assets

The French government has offered €410 million ($468 million) to acquire the advanced computing division of struggling tech giant Atos, which includes supercomputers used in nuclear deterrence and military operations. The company confirmed the offer on Monday as part of its broader debt restructuring efforts.

Atos, a key Olympics technology partner and defense contractor, has been seeking to sell assets to reduce its €4.8 billion debt burden. The state’s bid targets its high-performance computing (HPC) unit, which develops supercomputers and servers for defense, energy, and industrial applications.

Why This Deal Matters for France

• National Security Priority: The division’s supercomputers support France’s nuclear deterrence program and other defense operations.

• Sovereign Tech Capabilities: The government aims to protect strategic industrial assets from foreign acquisition.

• Jobs & Innovation: The unit employs 2,500+ workers, mostly in France, and is projected to generate €800 million in 2025 revenue.

Finance Minister’s Statement

“This offer is a major step toward securing France’s strategic supercomputing activity,” said Finance Minister Eric Lombard. “When necessary, the state must ensure the continuity of critical industrial capabilities.”

Deal Scope Narrowed—AI Video Analytics Excluded

Originally, negotiations in November 2023 included Atos’ Vision AI (an artificial intelligence-powered video analytics business). However, the final offer excludes this segment, focusing solely on supercomputing and high-performance servers.

Lombard emphasized the urgency: “I hope to conclude this swiftly to safeguard these vital operations for France.”

Next Steps: Binding Agreement Expected Soon

• A final agreement is anticipated in coming weeks.

• The transaction is set to close in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Atos’ Broader Restructuring Plan

The sale aligns with Atos’ strategy to divest non-core assets and stabilize finances. The company remains a key player in Olympics IT infrastructure and military cybersecurity, but its financial struggles have prompted state intervention to prevent foreign takeovers of sensitive tech.

Global Context: Rising State Involvement in Tech Sovereignty

France’s move reflects a broader trend of governments stepping in to protect critical technologies—from semiconductors to AI—amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic competition.

The deal ensures France retains control over supercomputing capabilities essential for defense, energy, and scientific research, reinforcing its position as a leader in European tech sovereignty.

Final Takeaway

This acquisition underscores the growing intersection of national security and corporate restructuring, with states increasingly acting as buyers of last resort for strategically vital technologies. For Atos, the sale provides a lifeline—while for France, it secures a cornerstone of its technological independence.