Atos says also received a second offer for part of the unit
Says Tech Foundations sale taking more time than planned
Says Daniel Kretinsky39;s EPEI now will not take stake in Eviden
Atos aiming to reduce debt
Atos shares up 2 after spiking more than 10

Jan 3 Reuters French IT company Atos said on Wednesday Airbus had made an indicative offer of 1.5 billion to 1.8 billion euros 1.64 billion1.97 billion for Atos39; big data security BDS unit, briefly sending its shares up more than 10.

Atos said it would open due diligence talks with the world39;s biggest planemaker regarding the sale, one of a series of negotiations the company is involved in aimed at helping it reduce debt.

Atos has faced a series of setbacks that have pummelled its shares for more than a year.

An Airbus spokesperson confirmed in an emailed statement sent to Reuters, echoing an earlier report, that it had submitted a nonbinding proposal.

The acquisition of BDS could significantly accelerate the digital transformation of Airbus, enhance the companys defence and security portfolio with strong capabilities in cyber, advanced computing and artificial intelligence, Airbus said.

Atos said it had also received a second offer for part of the unit, but did not name the potential buyer.

Separately, Atos Chief Financial Officer Paul Saleh said exclusive negotiations with Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky39;s EPEI on the sale of its Tech Foundations unit are taking more time than planned, with no…