Airbus Group (EPA:AIR) is in talks with French IT firm Atos to acquire its data and security unit.
An indicative offer of between €1.5 billion to €1.8 billion (£1.3 billion to £1.6 billion) have been made, according to Atos.
“A due diligence phase” will be opened with Airbus over its big data and security (BDS) business, Atos said in a statement, with the disposal set to play a key role in its debt repayment and refinancing efforts.
“Discussions with Airbus are currently at a preliminary stage and will progress,” Atos added.
“The company will update the market on their outcome in due course.”
Atos had announced in November that disposals, new financing or other actions on working capital would be needed in order to pay off existing loans.
"The acquisition of BDS could significantly accelerate the digital transformation of Airbus, enhance the company’s defence and security portfolio with strong capabilities in cyber, advanced computing and artificial intelligence, and support Airbus’ decarbonisation roadmap,” Airbus said.