Nyse Euronext and Atos Origin are in talks that could result in the dismantling of their Atos Euronext Market Solutions IT services joint venture.
Jean-Francois Theodore, deputy CEO of Nyse Euronext, has told reporters that current discussions are based on a proposal that the 50:50 joint venture be split, with Euronext assuming control of all units linked to stock exchanges while French IT services group Atos keeps all activities linked to clearing and back office services.
But Theodore, who was confirming a report by French business daily La Tribune, said that this was just one of the possible outcomes being discussed and that the talks have not yet ended.
According to the La Tribune report the two sides haven't yet agreed on a price. It has been reported that Nyse Euronext has offered EUR150 million for the part of AEMS it wants to buy, but Atos Origin is thought to want EUR200 million.
The 50/50 joint venture was formed between Euronext and Atos Origin in 2000 to manage internal software development and licensing of the exchange's technology platforms NSC and Clearing 21 to third parties. The JV was later merged with the Euronext.Liffe Market Solutions business.
An Atos spokeswoman confirmed that talks were taking place but declined to go into detail or comment the La Tribune report. However she did tell reporters that Atos hoped for a deal by the end of the year.
Earlier this month Philippe Germond, chairman and CEO of Atos Origin, confirmed that the group was holding discussions with Nyse Euronext regarding the future of the unit.
Germond said that various scenarios were being reviewed, including the sale by Atos Origin of its 50% stake in the joint venture.