PARIS (Thomson Financial) - The CEO of IT services company Capgemini, Paul
Hermelin, said in an interview to be published on Saturday that it may be
interested in some assets of competitor Atos Origin but only if those in charge
of Atos want to sell them, which they currently don't.
"We could examine" certain assets that would fit with Capgemini's strategy
if the Atos leadership changes its mind, but Capgemini will not participate in a
breakup (of Atos Origin) initiated by speculative funds, Hermelin told the
weekly Journal des Finances.
According to Agence France-Presse, Hermelin had been approached several
months ago by two funds, Pardus and Centaurus, that jointly hold a 22.5 percent
stake in Atos Origin and that proposed selling some of Atos' activities to
Capgemini.
Hermelin called Atos chief executive Philippe Germond to advise him of the
approach, AFP said.
Pardus and Centaurus have been in open conflict with Atos' management over
the company's strategy, and are seeking five board seats and the ousting of
surveillance board chairman Didier Cherpitel, it added.
michael.strauss@thomsonreuters.com
mjs/jlc
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