Satellite operator SES has announced that it will acquire Intelsat through the purchase of 100% of the equity of Intelsat Holdings for US$3.1 billion cash.
The companies say the merged entity will “create a stronger multi-orbit operator with greater coverage, improved resiliency, expanded suite of solutions, enhanced resources to profitably invest in innovation, and benefit from the collective talent, expertise, and track record of both companies”.
The deal is still subject to relevant regulatory clearances/filings and customary provisions, which SES expects to receive during the second half of 2025.
“This important, transformational agreement strengthens our business, enhances our ability to deliver world-class customer solutions, and generates significant value for our shareholders in a value accretive acquisition which is underpinned by sizeable and readily executable synergies,” said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES.
David Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat, said that “Over the past two years, the Intelsat team has executed a remarkable strategic reset. We have reversed a 10-year negative trend to return to growth, established a new and game-changing technology roadmap, and focused on productivity and execution to deliver competitive capabilities.”
“The team today is providing our customers with network performance at five 9s and is more dedicated than ever to customer engagement and delivering on our commitments. This strategic pivot sets the foundation for Intelsat’s next chapter,” added Wajsgras.
The acquisition continues a run of consolidation in the satellite sector, coming less than 12 months after Viasat acquired rival satellite communications company, Inmarsat.
Inmarsat currently provides the Australia-New Zealand SouthPAN SBAS service through its I-4F2 satellite, to be followed in 2027 by an additional transponder service via one of Inmarsat’s new I-8 satellites.
