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.
š 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
š¼ Strategic and Financial Impact
- SES anticipates ā¬2.4 billion in synergies, with 70% realized within three years, driven by streamlined operations, optimized capacity costs, and procurement efficiencies
- The company projects ā¬3.7 billion in combined revenue and ā¬1.8 billion in adjusted EBITDA, with plans to generate over ā¬1 billion in free cash flow by 2028
- SES will maintain a significant U.S. presence, preserving Intelsatās operational footprint in McLean, Virginia
š£ļø Leadership Commentary
Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, stated:
āWeāre not just merging two companiesāweāre creating a stronger company, built for the futureā¦ delivering next-generation connectivity and space-enabled services in smarter and quicker waysā
The acquisition positions SES to compete more effectively with rivals such as Eutelsat and SpaceXās 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 SESās official press release.
