SES Receives EU Approval for Intelsat Acquisition in $3.1 Billion Deal
Deal News | Jun 11, 2025 | EIN
The European Commission has granted unconditional approval for satellite operator SES to acquire Intelsat for $3.1 billion. Both companies, based in Luxembourg and operational globally, are leading providers of geostationary Earth orbit satellite networks. Despite the merger, the European Commission concluded there would be no competition concerns due to existing competitors, such as low Earth orbit satellite providers like Elon Musk's Starlink and terrestrial broadband technologies. The merger aims to bolster both SES and Intelsat's coverage and competitiveness within the dynamic satellite communications market.
Sectors
- Satellite Communications
- Telecommunications
Geography
- European Union – The EU's regulatory approval is a key element, as the merger affects market competition within the European Economic Area.
- Luxembourg – Both SES and Intelsat are headquartered in Luxembourg, making it a significant geographic location for the merger.
- United States – Intelsat maintains its primary operations and administrative headquarters in the U.S., influencing the merger's global implications.
Industry
- Satellite Communications – The industry involves companies that provide services via satellite technology. SES and Intelsat operate in this industry by providing global satellite network services.
- Telecommunications – The industry deals with the transmission of information by various types of technologies. SES and Intelsat's operations fall under this, given they provide satellite-based communication solutions.
Financials
- 3.1 – The acquisition deal's value in billion dollars for SES to acquire Intelsat.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SES | Acquiring Company | Company | SES is a major global satellite operator headquartered in Luxembourg, aiming to acquire Intelsat. |
| Intelsat | Target Company | Company | Intelsat is a global satellite service provider primarily operating from the United States, set to be acquired by SES. |
| European Commission | Regulatory Authority | Government | The executive body of the EU responsible for approving mergers and acquisitions that affect competition in the European Economic Area. |
| Starlink | Competitor | Company | A low Earth orbit satellite service provider, owned by Elon Musk, posing competitive pressure in the market. |