SES Eyes Creation of Multiorbit Operator Through Intelsat AcquisitionIn April 2024, Luxembourg-based satcom company SES (https://www.ses.com/) agreed to acquire Intelsat (https://www.govconwire.com/articles/satcom-company-ses-to-buy-intelsat-for-3-1b) for approximately $3.1 billion to establish a multiorbit operator that offers an expanded suite of satellite-based capabilities and spectrum portfolio.
The new entity that will emerge from the proposed combination will have a fleet of more than 100 geostationary Earth orbit satellites and 26 medium Earth orbit spacecraft providing improved network resiliency and increased coverage to customers across government, fixed data, mobility and media segments.
The transaction is expected to close by the second half of 2025.
Via Satellite reported that the FCC approval came days after the deal secured clearance (https://www.satellitetoday.com/finance/2025/07/11/fcc-grants-approval-for-ses-intelsat-acquisition/) from officials from the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Justice, among other U.S. federal agencies.
The proposed acquisition also received approval (https://www.satellitetoday.com/finance/2025/06/11/ses-intelsat-acquisition-secures-european-commission-uk-approval/) from the European Commission and the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority in June.