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Israel’s Gilat Satellite acquires inflight connectivity specialist Stellar Blu Solutions
MUMBAI: It’s taken off with the right velocity and direction in 2025. Israeli satellite-based broadband communications provider Gilat Satellite Networks announced on 7 January that it has successfully closed the acquisition of US-based provider of next-generation satcom terminal solutions and aircraft communications technologies, Stellar Blu Solutions.
The cost: $98 million in cash, as adjusted. Gilat had $115 million in net cash at the end of 2024, but it went for a new secured credit line of $100 million from HSBC Bank US and Bank Hapoalim to fund $60 million of the consideration paid at closing. The remaining $40 million, from the secured credit line, along with the company’s resources, is expected to be called upon and cover potential earn-out payments. The three year loan will bear interest at a rate of SOFR plus 2.6 per cent to 3.35 per cent.
Funding this acquisition through a combination of Glat’s interna resources and a secured credit line will provide it with additional flexibility given the opportunities in the market. The acquisition amount may go up by up by an additional $147 million in cash, conditioned upon the business achieving operational and strategic business milestones, during the first two years that follow the signing of the agreement.
Says Gilat CEO Adi Sfadia: “This acquisition is a pivotal step in our strategy to expand Gilat’s presence in the growing in-flight connectivity (IFC) market. We expect Stellar Blu’s cutting-edge technologies, combined with Gilat’s advanced IFC solutions to position us as a market leader for both commercial and business aviation, as well as adjacent high-end mobility markets that are ideal for electronically steered antenna (ESA) applications.”
He adds: “With the increasing demand for free, seamless, high-quality in-flight wifi and Stellar Blu’s pioneering expertise in multi-orbit Leo and Geo IFC solutions, we will be able to meet the most demanding service level agreements in the industry, opening up new growth opportunities in aviation and beyond. We expect to ship hundreds of Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder terminals during the upcoming quarters.”
The company expects its annual revenues from Stellar Blu to range between $120 and $150 million in 2025, based on the latter’s robust backlog. In addition, the acquisition is expected to be accretive on non-GAAP results for 2025. Furthermore, the company estimates that once Stellar Blu reaches its target manufacturing capacity, which Gilat expects will occur during the second half of 2025, Stellar Blu’s EBITDA margin is expected to be above 10 per cent.
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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.
