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SES seals Intelsat takeover, creating satellite giant with 120-bird fleet
LUXEMBOURG: Satellite heavyweight SES has wrapped up its acquisition of Intelsat, creating a turbocharged space communications firm with a 120-strong satellite arsenal spanning geostationary (Geo), medium Earth orbit (Meo), and strategic access to low Earth orbit (Leo) assets. The announcement was made on 17 July 2025.
The deal instantly boosts SES’s clout in high-growth verticals, with around 60 per cent of revenues now flowing from aviation, maritime, government, and media clients. The expanded fleet includes roughly 90 Geo and nearly 30 Meo satellites, with the new entity operating across a rich spectrum of bands including C, Ku, Ka, military Ka, X, and UHF—enabling tailored, premium-grade connectivity solutions globally.
“Today, we’re not just merging two companies — we’re creating a stronger company, built for the future. I want to extend a warm welcome to all new employees, customers, and partners,” said SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh. “In this new chapter, we are bringing together a powerful mix of talented people, network infrastructure, spectrum, innovation, and global relationships that will allow us to deliver next-generation connectivity and space-enabled services in smarter and quicker ways.”
The financials are just as skyward. The merged outfit expects pro forma revenue of €3.7 billion growing at a low- to mid-single digit CAGR between 2024 and 2028. Adjusted EBITDA is pegged at €1.8 billion with mid-single digit growth including synergies, while adjusted free cash flow is set to top €1 billion by 2027–2028 (pre-IRIS2).
A hefty €8 billion contract backlog provides strong revenue visibility, while cost synergies—valued at a net present value of €2.4 billion—are expected to deliver an annual run rate of €370 million, with 70 per cent realised within three years. Savings will come from merged fleets, streamlined ops, and smarter procurement.
SES, which remains headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on both the Paris and Luxembourg bourses ), will maintain a key base in McLean, Virginia. The firm has set its sights firmly on emerging frontiers including IoT, direct-to-device comms, space situational awareness, quantum key distribution, and inter-satellite data relays. Annual capex (excluding IRIS2) is expected to average €600–650 million through 2028.
SES has also signalled intent to raise its base dividend once it achieves sub-3x net leverage, expected within 12–18 months.
Legal and financial advisors on the transaction read like a who’s who: SES leaned on Guggenheim Securities, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and legal bigwigs from Gibson Dunn to Hogan Lovells. Intelsat was advised by PJT Partners, with legal counsel from Skadden, Wiley Rein, and Elvinger Hoss Prussen.
The move solidifies SES’s place among the top tier of global satellite operators—now armed with more firepower, deeper pockets, and sharper intent to lead the new space race.
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.
