Atos exploring split into two companies: Atos and Evidian
Atos is exploring splitting the company into two businesses, with Atos and spin-off Evidian to be of roughly equal size.
With revenues of €11 billion, Atos is one of the world’s largest IT services groups. Following a “preliminary strategic review”, the company believes it could “unlock more value” by continuing life as two entities.
Bertrand Meunier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Atos, said: “Having examined a number of possible options, the Board is convinced that a split is the best possible for the Group, and would create the highest value for stakeholders.”
The move comes on the back of a challenging period for the firm. At a time when the IT services market is growing, Atos last year saw its revenue drop by 3%, and earlier this year, the company issued its third profit warning in eight months, blaming to a decline in customer’s classic IT business.
If approved, the new proposed split plans – which are advised on by D’Angelin & Co, Goldman Sachs, Perella Weinberg Partners, and Rothschild & Co (financial advisors), Clifford Chance (tax advisor), and Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier and White & Case (legal advisors) – would see Atos follow in the footsteps of IBM, which last year spinned off its IT infrastructure business as Kyndryl.
The new Atos would consist of the Data Centre and Hosting, Digital Workplace, Unified Communications and Business Process Outsourcing divisions. This group – which bundles the shrinking parts of the firm – would have revenues of €5.4 billion and a headcount of 48,000 worldwide. To support a return to profitability, Atos will invest €1.1 billion over the 2022-2026 period.
Evidian would consist of the Digital, Big Data, and Security businesses – the growing parts of the current Atos. This group would generate €4.9 billion in sales and employ 59,000 people.
The complete separation is expected to cost €1.5 billion and be completed during the second half of 2023. Both Atos and Evidian will be listed on the Paris stock exchange.
Leadership
Following the announcement of the plans, current Atos CEO Rodolphe Belmer has decided to step down per September, as his current role would change significantly if the company splits. Atos has already determined who would lead the two new units: Nourdine Bihmane (Atos) and Philippe Oliva (Evidian).