Airbus eyes expansion with potential $2bn acquisition of Atos Cybersecurity

Atos

Airbus, the renowned French aerospace company, and Atos, a major player in the IT sector, are currently in discussions regarding a significant acquisition.

According to Security Week, Airbus is considering purchasing Atos’ cybersecurity unit, a move that could reshape the landscape of aerospace and cybersecurity industries.

The reason behind this acquisition is to enhance Airbus’s digital transformation and expand its defence and security portfolio. The deal is valued between €1.5 billion ($1.64 billion) and €1.8 billion ($1.97 billion), marking a significant investment in the cybersecurity realm by Airbus.

Airbus, primarily known for its dominance in the aerospace industry, has been exploring avenues to strengthen its digital and security capabilities. On the other hand, Atos, a global leader in digital services, has a robust portfolio in Big Data and Security (BDS), which includes cyber, advanced computing, and artificial intelligence capabilities.

The acquisition could significantly boost Airbus’s digital and security strategies, integrating Atos’ advanced technologies into its operations. The Eviden brand, which emerged from Atos, encompasses both the BDS and Atos’ cloud computing businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of digital security solutions.

However, Atos has experienced some challenges lately, as indicated by a drop in its share value following the announcement. This potential deal comes after Airbus’s initial interest in acquiring a 30% stake in Atos’ Evidian security business, which faced some shareholder opposition and was eventually dropped.

In a statement, Airbus highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition: “The acquisition of BDS could significantly accelerate the digital transformation of Airbus, enhance the company’s defence and security portfolio with strong capabilities in cyber, advanced computing and artificial intelligence.”

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