French IT services group Atos Origin is currently holding talks with Nyse Euronext over the future of the Atos Euronext Market Solutions joint venture, which may result in the sale of its stake in the unit.
The 50/50 joint venture was formed between Euronext and Atos Origin in 2000 and charged with managing internal software development and licensing the exchange's technology platforms NSC and Clearing 21 to third parties. The JV was later merged with the Euronext.Liffe Market Solutions business.
Philippe Germond, chairman and CEO of Atos Origin, has now told Reuters reporters that the French firm is holding talks with Nyse Euronext about the future of the unit.
When pressed, Germond said that the talks covered "the future of the software of Nyse Euronext".
Various scenarios are under review, he told the news agency, including the sale by Atos Origin of its 50% stake in the venture.