French Government Moves to Acquire Stake in Atos' Former Advanced Computing Arm to Secure Strategic Tech Assets

In a decisive move to bolster national digital sovereignty, the French government has submitted a formal offer to acquire a stake in the former Advanced Computing division of Atos—now operating under a new entity following Atos’ recent restructuring. This division is known for its expertise in high-performance computing (HPC), AI infrastructure, and quantum simulation capabilities—areas deemed strategic for defense, research, and cybersecurity.

The offer comes amid broader European efforts to secure critical technology infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers in fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and national security systems.

By acquiring a stake in the unit, the French state aims to maintain control over sensitive technologies, particularly supercomputing platforms used by government agencies, defense contractors, and national research institutes.

This marks another chapter in the unraveling of Atos, which has undergone financial strain and structural fragmentation in recent years. The move to spin off its advanced computing unit attracted interest from both domestic and international investors, but government intervention suggests a prioritization of strategic continuity over commercial competition.

Technology decision-makers should view this as a significant signal: in an era of AI arms races and digital autonomy, governments are becoming increasingly active in safeguarding tech infrastructure. For European CIOs and CTOs, the trend underscores the importance of aligning IT procurement with geopolitical and regulatory considerations.