In a move aimed at safeguarding France’s strategic interests in sensitive sectors, Bull SA has issued a preferred share in favor of the French State as part of its sensitive sovereign activities conducted by the Atos group. This decision follows the agreement reached on June 26 between Atos SE, Bull SA, and the French State, which aims to strengthen protection over activities of high national relevance.
The preferred share grants the French State certain governance rights in Bull SA, including representation on corporate boards, although currently without voting rights. Additionally, the State holds prior approval and authorization rights, ensuring closer oversight of activities that could impact France’s security and strategic interests.
This agreement also includes a right of first refusal for the French State in the event that a third party acquires 10% or a multiple of that percentage in the equity or voting rights of Atos or Bull SA. If a reasonable agreement to protect national interests is not reached in such a situation, the State may exercise its right to acquire those activities, subject to French regulations regarding foreign direct investments.
Atos: Leader in Digital Transformation and Sustainability
Atos, with approximately 82,000 employees and annual revenues of around €10 billion, is one of the leading European companies in cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in today’s digital era…, cloud computing, and high-performance computing. The company operates in 69 countries, providing end-to-end solutions across a wide range of industries, positioning itself as a pioneer in digital decarbonization services.
Atos’s mission is to design a secure and sustainable computing environment, facilitating the development of education, research, and knowledge in a multicultural context. Its commitment to security and sustainability enables both clients and employees to thrive in a trusted digital environment.
With this measure, the French State seeks to ensure the continuity of strategic activities in sensitive areas, while Atos remains committed to providing high-security and sustainable digital services for the benefit of its clients and society.
via: ATOS