French IT services group Atos Origin has responded favourably to expressions of interest and invited private equity buyers to take a closer look.

The firm released a statement yesterday confirming that its management team has "decided to explore strategic options to support the execution of the transformation plan, to further the group's development while enhancing shareholder value".

Rothschild and Goldman Sachs will remain as its financial advisors in the process.

Shares in Atos are currently trading at €51, up four per cent following the announcement. ®

Related stories

• Atos Origin buries hatchet with rebel shareholders (29 May 2008)
• Atos Origin board candidate blasts 'scandalous' talks (9 April 2008)
• Atos Origin rebels propose board members (2 April 2008)
• Atos goes back to black (15 February 2008)
• Atos wins Highways Agency £75m contract (4 January 2008)
• DCMS inks IT deal with Atos Origin (21 December 2007)
• Atos Origin reports mellow and fruitful Q3 (15 November 2007)
• Atos Origin doing well - if you ignore UK (1 August 2007)
• Channel rumours round-up (19 March 2007)