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.
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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."
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Attractive Digital Infrastructure
EQT added, "At EQT, we identified satellite ground stations as an attractive digital infrastructure vertical several years ago. They play an important role in ensuring global connectivity, especially for those not covered by fixed and mobile connectivity solutions, and require deep global expertise in developing and operating telecommunications infrastructure businesses."
Eutelsat said the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q1 2026.
