Atos and SoftBank Seal Strategic AI, Cybersecurity, and Comms Deals in Europe and Japan

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Synopsis

French IT firm Atos and Japan’s SoftBank have entered a strategic partnership through two landmark deals focused on AI, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. The agreement enables SoftBank to acquire part of Atos’ BDS (Big Data & Security) unit, while also strengthening cooperation in edge computing and quantum tech. This marks a major European-Japanese tech alignment amid growing demand for sovereign AI infrastructure and secure digital operations.

Summary

Atos and SoftBank have announced a pair of transformative deals aimed at reshaping the technology and cybersecurity landscape across Europe and Asia. The agreements reflect a shared ambition to lead in AI, edge computing, and next-gen telecommunications while addressing rising demand for secure, sovereign digital infrastructure.

Under the first agreement, SoftBank will acquire a significant portion of Atos’ Big Data & Security (BDS) business in Europe. BDS has long been a strategic asset for Atos, providing critical national security, AI, and cybersecurity services across the EU. The sale, reportedly valued at several hundred million euros, helps Atos reduce its debt load while positioning SoftBank to expand its AI and cloud capabilities in regulated European markets.

The second deal is a forward-looking partnership focused on AI collaboration, edge and quantum computing, and advanced connectivity solutions. This alliance is expected to drive new commercial and research initiatives, especially in 5G/6G infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, and scalable AI deployment across enterprise sectors.

Both companies emphasized that the agreements align with national and regional priorities, including EU digital sovereignty, Japan’s AI infrastructure acceleration, and global standards for ethical and secure technology adoption.

For Atos, the move also brings strategic clarity amid its ongoing restructuring and leadership change. For SoftBank, it reinforces a shift toward deeper AI vertical integration and global tech investment beyond its Vision Fund.

This cross-continental collaboration signals a rising trend of tech alliances that go beyond capital to include operational synergies, regulatory alignment, and sovereign tech ambitions. With AI and quantum computing now matters of national strategy, the Atos-SoftBank partnership could set the tone for future deals in the space.