The bondholders of Atos have rejected the takeover offer for the IT group from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, citing a project incompatible with their own intentions, according to information published by La Tribune.

The business news site reports that the bondholders believe that Daniel Kretinsky's plan - in partnership with the Attestor fund - to wipe out virtually all Atos' debt, as well as fears of a sell-off, are incompatible with their desire to convert a lower level of debt into capital and preserve the group's integrity.

La Tribune adds in its article, published on Saturday, that this position was formalized in a written message sent to Atos, Bercy and conciliator Hélène Bourbouloux.

Spokespersons for Atos and Daniel Kretinsky did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

At the beginning of May, Atos announced that it had selected three proposals as part of its financial restructuring procedure, from a group of bondholders and banks; from OnePoint, a company controlled by David Layani, the group's main shareholder, in consortium with Butler Industries; and from EP Equity Investment, a fund controlled by Daniel Kretinsky.

The group intends to decide on one of the restructuring offers by May 31, with a view to reaching a final agreement by July (Benjamin Mallet reports).