Battle for Atos: Rescuing a Fallen French Tech Star
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky and David Layani's OnePoint are locked in a bid to salvage troubled French tech company Atos SE, as it grapples with financial turmoil and mounting debts. Atos, once a premier player in France's tech landscape, has seen its fortunes decline precipitously in recent years due to accounting scandals and a drastic loss in market value. The company's plight has attracted the attention of several suitors, including private equity firm Bain Capital, but it's Kretinsky's EPEI and Layani's OnePoint that have emerged as frontrunners in the race to revive Atos. Kretinsky's proposal, in collaboration with credit fund Attestor Ltd., offers 600 million in new equity and 1.3 billion in working capital facilities, aiming to inject fresh funds and stabilize the company's operations. On the other hand, OnePoint's plan calls for a 350 million cash injection from the consortium, with Layani poised to contribute 20 million. Both proposals seek to address Atos's staggering debt load and restore its position as a leading IT services provider in France. The stakes are high as Atos faces mounting pressure to strike a deal by the end of the month. The company's shares have plummeted by 83% in the last year, reflecting the urgency of the situation. Amidst the flurry of proposals and negotiations, Atos remains in discussions with creditors, banks, and the government to secure additional financing and chart a path forward. For Kretinsky and Layani, the battle for Atos represents an opportunity to reshape the company's trajectory and steer it towards a brighter future. However, challenges abound, from navigating complex debt restructuring to addressing strategic imperatives in a rapidly evolving market landscape. As Atos teeters on the brink of insolvency, the outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for its employees, stakeholders, and the broader tech ecosystem in France. Whether Kretinsky, Layani, or another suitor emerges victorious, one thing is certain: the fate of Atos hangs in the balance, and the clock is ticking.