With this agreement, SES ASTRA and Astrium will be reinforcing their long-term relationship, and will also explore the potential for the two companies to work together in the development of new business opportunities in the government and institutions sector, as well as other specific satellite infrastructure projects.

In 2009, ND Satcom's contribution to SES revenues was 81 million Euros.

It is expected that the transaction will close during the first quarter of 2011, subject to the realisation of certain conditions including regulatory approvals.

SES ASTRA has a long-standing business relationship with Astrium and has ordered a total of nine satellites from the satellite manufacturer. Six of these satellites are currently under construction at Astrium's facilities across Europe.

Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES ASTRA, said: "This transaction will strengthen our relationship with Astrium Services through a joint shareholding in ND SatCom.

"It will also underpin our efforts to further enlarge the scope of our satellite infrastructure offering for governments and institutions, and to grow this promising new business segment.

"Together with Astrium Services, we will be able to take ND SatCom to the next phase of its development and strengthen its position."

Eric Beranger, CEO of Astrium Services, said: "This move underlines our strong commitment to growing our business across Germany - one of our key home markets.

"With the deal due to conclude early next year, we will then have an opportunity to deploy significantly wider product range by combining Astrium's secure satcoms, networks and terminals expertise with ND SatCom's for a stronger offering to the civil, governmental and military markets."

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