Onepoint Becomes Largest Shareholder in Atos, Urges Review of Asset Sale to Daniel Kretinsky

Onepoint's 10% stake in Atos prompts 16% surge in the latter's share price, as new "anchor investor" challenges planned sale to Kretinsky and advocates for alternative funding methods to mitigate shareholder dilution.

Digital consultancy firm Onepoint, now the largest shareholder in Atos with a 10% stake, is calling for a review of Atos's planned deal to sell some of its struggling assets to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.
Onepoint CEO David Layani suggests alternative funding methods, such as selling Tech Foundations at a higher price, to raise funds without relying on Kretinsky's investment, which could result in less shareholder dilution.
Onepoint's stake acquisition, reported to have cost no more than €70 million, resulted in a 16% surge in Atos's share price and now affords the firm 'a commanding seat' in the ailing French IT company.
Observers suggest that Onepoint's significant stake might discourage other companies, including Airbus and Orange, that had previously expressed interest in some of Eviden’s assets.
Onepoint's investment comes during a period of substantial governance changes for Atos, the latest being Jean-Pierre Mustier taking over as the head of Atos's board of directors.