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. ®