French IT company Sopra Steria said on Monday that it had not made any approach to rival Atos group after media reported the company was targeting Atos for a potential takeover bid.
“Naturally, Sopra Steria continually monitors developments in the sector and opportunities that may arise”, the company said in a statement.
French BFM Business radio reported on Monday on its website that Sopra Steria and defence group Thales were eyeing Atos and also said French group Capgemini and Orange had also been looking at the IT company.
In a statement Thales said it “firmly denied rumours of an Atos acquisition by Thales.”
Sopra Steria said its strategy was built around an independent corporate plan focused on sustainable value creation for its stakeholders.
Shares in Sopra Steria were down 6.12% at 1446 GMT, while Atos’ shares were up 0.15%.
Source: Reuters.com