Astrium takes over ND SatCom
October 25, 2010
SES Astra and Astrium, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS, have confirmed that Astrium will purchase a 75.1 per cent stake in SES Astra’s satellite equipment provider and ground system integrator ND SatCom, based in Friedrichshafen, Germany. With this agreement, SES Astra and Astrium will be reinforcing 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. In 2009, ND Satcom`s contribution to SES revenues was €81 million.
It is expected that 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.