The cybersecurity BDS division of Atos SE (ENXTPA:ATO) is not up for sale', a spokesperson for the IT consulting firm said on February 3, 2022, after sources said Thales S.A. (ENXTPA:HO) was working on a potential offer. "BDS is not for sale," Atos' spokesperson said. "We are focused on our turnaround plan and we're convinced of the considerable turnaround potential of the group." Thales and its adviser Centerview Partners have approached several private equity firms including Bain Capital, LP  to explore a possible joint offer as part of a deal that would involve a complex break-up of Atos, the sources said.

Thales said after market close on February 2, 2022 that it was "potentially interested" in any cybersecurity asset up for sale and that there were no talks underway with Atos.