Home >> News: October 25th, 2010 >> Story
Satnews Daily
October 25th, 2010

SES ASTRA + ND Satcom... Financially Speaking...


[SatNews] SES ASTRA, an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), and Astrium, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (Euronext Paris: EAD), have announced that Astrium will purchase a 75.1 percent stake in SES ASTRA’s satellite equipment provider and ground system integrator ND SatCom, based in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

In 2009, ND SatCom’s contribution to SES revenues was 81 million euros. With this agreement, SES ASTRA and Astrium will further reinforce their long-term relationship, and will also explore the potential for the two companies to work together in the development of new business opportunities in the government and institutions sector, as well as other specific satellite infrastructure projects. It is expected the transaction will close during the first quarter of 2011, subject to the realisation of certain conditions including regulatory approvals. SES ASTRA has a long-standing business relationship with Astrium and has ordered a total of nine satellites from the satellite manufacturer. Six of these satellites are currently under construction at Astrium’s facilities across Europe.