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Eutelsat confirms ground infra sale deal with EQT Infrastructure
MUMBAI: Communications satellite firm Eutelsat group has exercised the put option signed with EQT Infrastructure VI fund (“EQT”) on 9 August 2024 regarding a majority stake in a newly created entity that will hold Eutelsat’s passive ground infrastructure assets. This decision follows the completion of the consultation processes with relevant employee representative bodies of Eutelsat.
The exercise of the put option led to the signing of a binding share purchase agreement (SPA) between Eutelsat and EQT.
As announced on 9 August 2024 upon signing of the put option agreement, the transaction consists in the carve-out of the Eutelsat’s passive ground infrastructure assets (land, buildings, support infrastructure, antennas and connectivity circuits for the combined portfolio of teleports and SNPs) to form a new company to be incorporated as a standalone legal entity.
Eutelsat has around 1,400 antennas across more than 100 locations globally, allowing satellite communications for Eutelsat group, OneWeb and third party clients.
Under the terms of the agreement, EQT will acquire an 80 per cent stake in this new entity, while Eutelsat group will remain committed as long-term shareholder, anchor tenant and partner of the new company with a 20 per cent holding alongside EQT.
The transaction values the new entity at an enterprise value of €790m. It remains subject to customary conditions precedent, and closing of the deal is expected in the first quarter of calendar year 2026.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
