SES ASTRA, an SES GLOBAL company (Paris:SESG)
(LuxX:SESG), has announced today that it raises its stake in the
satellite communications supplier ND SatCom from 25.1 to 100 per cent
by acquiring the 74.9 per cent share from the German-based high-tech
group AUGUSTA Technologie AG. SES ASTRA acquires the majority stake
for a consideration of EUR 35.6 million. The transaction is subject to
the necessary regulatory approvals. The purchase agreement also
foresees a contingent additional consideration dependent on the award
and value of a significant government contract opportunity. This
additional consideration cannot exceed approximately 36 per cent of
the definitive purchase price of EUR 35.6 million.
ND SatCom is a leading global supplier of satellite-based
broadband network solutions for government customers, broadcasters and
enterprises. It is based in Friedrichshafen, Germany, employs 240
people globally, has major regional centers in Abu Dhabi, Beijing and
Dallas, Texas, and conducts business in over 130 countries. In 2005,
it generated revenues of EUR 80 million of which approximately 70 per
cent derived from the government sector.
"Enhancing the government services offering is a key strategic
objective of SES", said Ferdinand Kayser, President and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of SES ASTRA. "The acquisition of ND SatCom
allows SES ASTRA to enter the fast growing government sector. As a
leader in this sector, ND SatCom is very well positioned and rapidly
grows its presence, mainly in the EMEA region, complementing the
strong position of Americom Government Services (AGS) in North
America. Through this transaction, we will provide a combined ground
and space offering to the government sector and take advantage of the
growth potential for our core infrastructure business, in particular
the recently acquired New Skies assets."
"The acquisition of ND SatCom by SES ASTRA is a perfect strategic
fit for both parties and will provide us with additional development
opportunities", said Karl Classen, CEO of ND SatCom. "SES ASTRA has
been a strategic investor in ND SatCom for many years and supported
the development of the company into a leading international player. ND
SatCom will represent a key element in SES ASTRA`s ambitions to
increase its presence in the government sector and reinforce SES
group`s global government activities."
About SES ASTRA - www.ses-astra.com
The ASTRA Satellite System is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH)
satellite system in Europe, delivering services to some 107 million
Direct-to-Home and cable households. The ASTRA satellite fleet
currently comprises 13 satellites, transmitting in excess of 1600
analogue and digital television and radio channels as well as
multimedia and Internet services. ASTRA's two prime orbital positions
for DTH services are 19.2 degrees East and 28.2 degrees East.
Professional services such as Direct-to cable (DTC), Satellite
Newsgathering (SNG) and Occasional Use are offered from the orbital
position of 23.5 degrees East.
SES ASTRA is an SES GLOBAL company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG). SES
GLOBAL wholly owns three market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA
in Europe, SES AMERICOM in the US and New Skies Satellites in the rest
of the world. The Company also holds strategic participations in
AsiaSat in Asia, Star One in Latin America, SES Sirius in Europe, Ciel
in Canada and Quetzsat in Mexico. Americom Government Services
provides network solutions and bandwidth to the US government and its
contractors. SES GLOBAL provides outstanding satellite communications
solutions via a fleet of 43 satellites across the globe. Additional
info on SES GLOBAL at: www.ses-global.com.
SES ASTRA had acquired a 10 per cent stake in ND SatCom in 2002
and increased its shareholding to 25.1 per cent in April 2005, with an
option to acquire the remaining stake.
About ND SatCom - www.ndsatcom.de
ND SatCom is a leading global supplier of satellite-based
broadband VSAT, broadcast and defence communication network and ground
station solutions. ND SatCom's innovative technologies are deployed in
broadcast & media, enterprise, telecom, government and defence
environments worldwide. As a global company with more than 25 years of
experience in the satellite networks and systems businesses, ND SatCom
is a reliable source of comprehensive and secure turnkey and tailored
system engineered solutions. ND SatCom is represented by regional
sales and service offices worldwide.