Eutelsat Group Enters Exclusive Deal with EQT for Sale of Ground Infrastructure Assets

Eutelsat Group has entered into an agreement with the Swedish investment fund EQT (EQT Infrastructure VI fund) to carve out its passive ground infrastructure assets, forming a new standalone company. Under the deal, EQT will own 80 percent of the new entity, while Eutelsat retains a 20 percent stake and will remain a long-term partner. The new entity will be the world’s largest pure-play, operator-neutral ground station-as-a-service company, Eutelsat said in a recent statement.

• Make Telecom Talk My Trusted Source
• 
• 

Also Read: Eutelsat OneWeb Launches Land Mobility Services for Connectivity on the Move

Eutelsat and EQT’s Strategic Agreement

The passive assets of Eutelsat Group involved in the transaction include land, buildings, support infrastructure, antennas, and connectivity circuits for the combined portfolio of teleports and SNPs.

Future Plans and Benefits for Eutelsat

Under the deal, the business has an enterprise value of EUR 790 million. Upon completion of the transaction, Eutelsat will enter into a long-term framework master service agreement (MSA) covering services to be rendered by the new company to Eutelsat Group. This move allows Eutelsat to focus on its next-generation satellite fleet by shifting future maintenance capex to the new entity.

Commenting on the deal, Eutelsat Group said, “We are proud to become the first satellite operator to embark on this innovative transaction, which will allow us to build on the model adopted in other industries and optimise the value of our extensive ground network. In EQT, we have found a partner of the highest quality who shares our vision. This transaction represents a win-win situation for all parties and will enable Eutelsat to strengthen its financial profile while continuing to rely on the unparalleled quality and reliability of its ground infrastructure.”