Spanish infrastructure company Abertis is in the process of being bought by an Italian company, Atlantia. Abertis has a major share in Hispasat, and the Spanish government says that the satellite operator is a “strategic asset” for the nation (see also today’s story on Eutelsat reaching an agreement with Hispasat).

Spain’s Minister of Economy, Luis de Guindos, said the satellite company is a “point of interest” for the country, and while there would be no interference in the Italian move on Abertis, there were other elements that would have to be examined and where there were concerns.

The focus is understood to be on Hispasat’s military capacity (in X-band) and subsidiary companies Hisparmar and Hisdesat Strategic Services.  Hisdasat Strategic Services is a joint-venture between Hispasat (43 per cent) and other minority investors including EADS.

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