The consortium led by the French company Onepoint, chosen for the financial rescue of heavily indebted Atos, has withdrawn its offer, the French IT group, technological pillar of the Paris Olympics this summer, announced on Wednesday. At the same time, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has renewed his interest in resuming talks.
« The Onepoint, Butler Industries and Econocom consortium noted that the conditions were not met to conclude an agreement paving the way for a lasting solution for financial restructuring and implementation » of its project, announced Onepoint, led by David Layani, in a press release. This announcement comes less than three weeks after his consortium emerged victorious in the competition for the takeover of Atos against Daniel Kretinsky. His takeover offer was judged “ better oriented in matters of interest
social of society » by the board of directors of the French IT group, and the majority of its creditors.
Atos had announced that it needed 1.1 billion euros in liquidity for its activity in 2024-2025 and wanted to massively reduce its gross debt, by 4.8 billion euros, to safeguard its activity. For ” satisfy the group’s short and medium-term liquidity demand”Atos indicates having received from its creditors “ a revised comprehensive financial restructuring proposal« . « Discussions are continuing with the representative committee of creditors and certain banks on the basis of this proposal with a view to reaching an agreement as soon as possible.“, he added, while EPEI, by Daniel Kretinsky, addressed “ a letter reiterating its interest in participating in its financial restructuring« .
As the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Worldwide IT Partner since 2002, Atos will be one of the technological pillars of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It will be responsible for managing accreditations, instantaneous results dissemination and cybersecurity. Atos is also present in sensitive activities, including supercomputers used for nuclear deterrence.
Juliette Paoli with AFP
