Marlink buys Global Eagle’s client base
March 29, 2021
By Chris Forrester
Satellite maritime communications specialist Marlink has taken over more than 450 VSAT sites in five continents that serve large humanitarian/NGO, Embassy, Oil and Gas and Mining customers, as well as Global Eagle Entertainment’s African fixed site land business.
The transaction is the result of an efficient collaboration between Marlink and GEE teams which was aimed at structuring a deal ensuring service continuity for GEE’s NGO/humanitarian and enterprise customers.
Marlink says the acquisition will further strengthen its global leadership position and momentum in the enterprise SATCOM market serving NGO/humanitarian, energy/mining and government customers.
“[We] welcome GEE’s NGO/humanitarian and enterprise customers and is geared up to provide them with a best-in-class service given the depth of our experience and resources in these sectors,” said Alexandre de Luca, President, Enterprise, Marlink. “Marlink’s managed smart network solutions provide our customers with reliable, scalable and flexible connectivity and digital solutions that enables them to run their remote operations in more efficient, sustainable and safe ways.”
Marlink itself, owned by private equity company Apax Partners, is itself for sale according to numerous reports. Apax bought Marlink from Airbus for an undisclosed sum in 2016, and has reportedly has hired bankers to explore a sale process.
UK-based Inmarsat is seen as a likely buyer.