SES to Acquire Intelsat in $3.1 Billion Merger

Deal News | Apr 14, 2025 | EIN

SES to Acquire Intelsat in $3.1 Billion Merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an inquiry into the proposed $3.1 billion merger between SES and Intelsat. The investigation will determine whether this satellite industry consolidation might breach antitrust laws. Interested parties have until April 29 to submit comments. A decision on whether to escalate the inquiry to a more detailed phase 2 review is set for June 12. SES, based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, aims to create a multi-orbit operator by merging with Intelsat, enhancing its satellite capabilities and resource pool. This merger is part of a larger trend of consolidation in the satellite industry, driven by the rapid advancement of low Earth orbit services like those offered by Starlink and Kuiper. While mergers such as OneWeb with Eutelsat and Inmarsat with Viasat have proceeded smoothly, the current UK regulatory environment is noted for its more stringent oversight, although it does not necessarily pose a significant threat to the SES-Intelsat deal.

Sectors

  • Satellite Telecommunications
  • Regulatory Oversight

Geography

  • United Kingdom – The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is conducting an inquiry into the merger, indicating the relevance of UK regulations to the transaction.
  • Luxembourg – SES is based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, and represents one of the main entities in the proposed merger.

Industry

  • Satellite Telecommunications – The merger involves major satellite operators SES and Intelsat, highlighting the industry's shift towards consolidation to compete with LEO services.
  • Regulatory Oversight – The article centers on the UK's regulatory body's review of the merger, indicating the importance of compliance with antitrust laws in the telecommunications sector.

Financials

  • $3.1 billion – The price announced by SES for the acquisition of Intelsat.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
SESBidding CompanyCompanyA satellite operator based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, intending to acquire Intelsat.
IntelsatTarget CompanyCompanyThe company being acquired in the proposed $3.1 billion deal by SES.
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)Regulatory BodyGovernmentThe UK regulator responsible for scrutinizing the SES-Intelsat merger for compliance with antitrust laws.