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Intelsat acquires Comsat to strengthen it’s govt sol. business unit
MUMBAI: Intelsat has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of end-to-end communications services integrator Comsat General Corporation and certain of its affiliates, in a transaction which is expected to strengthen Intelsat’s competitive position in the US government commercial satellite capacity and services market.
Comsat is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, which owns 24.1 per cent of Intelsat, Ltd.
The total agreed purchase price is approximately $90 million, including approximately $40 million that may be paid in the form of ordinary shares of Intelsat Ltd. Intelsat will also purchase an Atlas launch vehicle from Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, Inc., an affiliate of Lockheed Martin, for the launch of a future satellite, informed an official release.
Comsat General is a provider of integrated satellite-centric communications services to commercial and government users, including the resale of satellite capacity purchased from Intelsat and other operators. In addition, it also provides value-added services such as bandwidth management and host nation agreement management.Under the transaction terms, Intelsat has agreed to acquire the customer contracts and vendor contracts associated with Comsat General’s business, as well as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other governmental licenses, leased business premises and other related assets, said the release.
“This agreement is another step forward in our strategy to develop and grow our managed services capabilities in segments that we believe represent stable, long-term growth opportunities for fixed satellite services operators,” said Intelsat, Ltd CEO Conny Kullman. “The US and other NATO country governments currently rely on commercial satellite capacity for a substantial portion of their mission-critical communications and customized services. We believe that the acquisition announced today, when completed, will solidify Intelsat’s competitive position in this important market.”
Intelsat Government Solutions Corporation president Susan Miller said, “Government agencies from the US and other countries already depend on Intelsat’s global network resources for a variety of communications needs. We look forward to directly serving these key customers with a greater range of end-to-end solutions upon the closing of this acquisition.”
The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of several conditions, including the receipt of US FCC, US Department of Defense and other governmental approvals. Intelsat currently expects the closing of the transaction to occur in the fourth quarter of 2004
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.
