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On July 17, 2025, Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES completed its $3.1 billion acquisition of Intelsat, forming a global powerhouse in satellite connectivity with a combined fleet of approximately 90 geostationary (GEO) and 30 medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, alongside strategic access to low Earth orbit (LEO) capacity.
🌐 Expanded Capabilities and Market Reach
The newly merged entity boasts:
- A multi-orbit network spanning GEO, MEO, and LEO satellites
- An extensive ground infrastructure
- Service delivery across C-, Ku-, Ka-, Military Ka-, X-band, and Ultra High Frequency spectrum bands
- Enhanced ability to serve government, aviation, maritime, and media sectors globally
💼 Strategic and Financial Impact
- SES anticipates €2.4 billion in synergies, with 70% realized within three years, driven by streamlined operations, optimized capacity costs, and procurement efficiencies
- The company projects €3.7 billion in combined revenue and €1.8 billion in adjusted EBITDA, with plans to generate over €1 billion in free cash flow by 2028
- SES will maintain a significant U.S. presence, preserving Intelsat’s operational footprint in McLean, Virginia
🗣️ Leadership Commentary
Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, stated:
“We’re not just merging two companies—we’re creating a stronger company, built for the future… delivering next-generation connectivity and space-enabled services in smarter and quicker ways”
The acquisition positions SES to compete more effectively with rivals such as Eutelsat and SpaceX’s Starlink, while expanding its role in emerging markets including IoT, direct-to-device communications, and quantum key distribution.
You can read the full announcement on SES’s official press release.
