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KKR to acquire Panamsat for $4.3 billion
MUMBAI: Satellite services provider Panamsat and DirecTV, which is the major stakeholder in the company, have announced that they have signed a definitive transaction agreement with affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR).
As per the same Panamsat will be sold at $23.50 in cash per share.
The aggregate transaction value, including the assumption of approximately $750 million of net debt, is approximately $4.3 billion.
The deal is subject to applicable regulatory approvals including the Federal Communications Commission, and also subject to approval by the stockholders of Panamsat. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of the year.
DirecTV group president and CEO Chase Carey says, “The sale of Panamsat is a significant step towards the completion of our plan to transform the former Hughes corporate structure to a single business. The single focus will rest on DirecTV, the US leading digital multichannel television service. The KKR offer, with its all-cash structure, provided the best value to the Panamsat shareholders.”
Panamsat president and CEO Joe Wright adds, “Today, Panamsat is the leading distributor of video signals in the world. We transmit more than 2,100 broadcast TV channels globally. With KKR as our partner, we will have the opportunity to enhance our competitive position and significantly expand Panamsats capabilities.”
“KKR understands our mission of servicing a strong customer base in the entertainment, communications and government sectors. It will support our efforts to grow by developing new products and services, forging strategic alliances and developing new markets. This new alliance provides us an excellent footing to build our future.”
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.
