France based information technology service and consulting company Atos SE (EPA: ATO) says that its cybersecurity unit BDS division is not up for sale. This comes after rumors started making round suggesting defense company Thales is working on buying the cybersecurity unit.
Thales is a French firm which designs and makes electric systems and provides services for the defence, aerospace, transportation and security markets. According to the report, Thales is seeking to purchase BDS in a $3 billion acquisition deal which tests the political determination for strengthening France’s digital defences.
This was announced by Atos spokesperson who said the company’s focus is on a turnaround plan. “BDS is not for sale. We are focused on our turnaround plan and we’re convinced of the considerable turnaround potential of the group.”
On the other end, Thales said that it is potentially interested in any cybersecurity asset up for sale but ruled out any talks with Atos concerning sale of its cybersecurity unit.
