In a major strategic move, SES S.A. has announced the acquisition of satellite operator Intelsat for a cash amount of $3.1 billion. This ambitious merger aims to strengthen SES's presence in the satellite communications industry, characterized by increased competition and constant innovation.
A Strategic Merger for Increased Global Coverage
The two giants of the geostationary (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite sectors will join forces, resulting in an entity with a combined annual revenue of about $4.1 billion and an estimated adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion for this year. The transaction, which is still subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2025.
Expansion of Capabilities and Synergies
The newly combined entity will benefit from increased coverage and enhanced resilience, with a consolidated fleet of over 100 GEO satellites and medium Earth orbit constellations. This merger is expected not only to increase the operational capabilities of both companies but also to achieve significant cost savings through synergies estimated at about 85% of the total equity value, which is €2.4 billion in net present value.
Impact on Innovation and Customer Service
The acquisition promises to expand SES's multi-orbit space network, enrich its spectrum portfolio, and strengthen its ground infrastructures worldwide. Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, emphasized that this transaction would significantly expand the company's ability to offer innovative and competitive solutions, particularly in government and mobility segments, while continuing to efficiently serve the fixed data and media markets.
The merger of SES and Intelsat represents a significant strategy to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry, marked by increasing pressure from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations and changing demands of conventional television services. This marks an important step in the evolution of both companies, strategically aligning to better meet global market demands and enhancing service offerings to their clients worldwide.