Arabsat signs agreement with Hellenic Telecommunication Organization
- Saudi Arabia: Saturday, February 09 - 2013 at 09:27
- PRESS RELEASE
Arabsat is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with the Hellenic Telecommunication Organization (OTE), one of the largest telecom groups in South Eastern Europe, for the acquisition of its 99.05% equity participation in Hellas Sat Consortium Ltd (Hellas Sat).
•An enterprise value of Hellas Sat, amounting to €157m, which corresponds to 7 times the EBITDA of Hellas Sat for 2012.
•The cash held by Hellas Sat on the date of completion of the transaction, estimated at €53.4m.
Hellas Sat has the exclusive use of the orbital position of 39° East and all associated radiofrequencies from the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus.
The company is the operator of the Hellas-Sat 2 satellite, one of the most powerful satellites with wide European coverage. Apart from Europe, the satellite Hellas Sat 2 covers the Middle East and South Africa and has a portfolio of over 100 customers in 26 countries.
The transaction was conducted through Arabsat Cyprus Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of Arabsat, and is expected to be completed by Q2 2013 after all necessary procedures have been finalized and is subject to approval by the competent authorities.
Khalid A. Balkheyour, the President & CEO of Arabsat, commented, "This step outlines Arabsat's determination to pursue its strategic plan to grow its resources in terms of expanding to new orbital slots and new frequency rights, and to enter new markets. In 2012, Arabsat has presented before the satellite industry its vision to move from regional to global and become one of the top 5 satellite operators in the world by the year 2020. This transaction, in addition to the new 6th satellite generation programme encompassing the design, manufacturing and launch of 3 new satellites from now until 2016 proves that Arabsat is on the right track to achieve its vision."
Mr. Balkheyour also noted, "Our commitment to sustain and grow the business in Greece and Cyprus will manifest itself through the rapid design, manufacturing and launch of the new satellite, HS-3, which we envision to be one of the largest satellites in Europe. This would enhance Hellas Sat's competitive advantage at its hotspot at 39° East with more capacity for existing and future customers. I want also to thank our partners, The Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), one of the current minority shareholders of Hellas Sat, that will remains in the new shareholding structure of the company."
OTE, the seller is the largest telecommunications provider in the Greek market and, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of the leading telecom Groups in South-eastern Europe. OTE is among the five largest listed companies, with respect to capitalization, in the Athens Stock Exchange and is also listed in the London (LSE) Stock Exchange. The OTE Group offers a full range of products and services, from broadband services, fixed and mobile telephony, to high-speed data communications and leased lines services.
Arabsat extends its appreciation to its financial and legal advisors led by Renaissance Capital and Generation Alfa and which included: Pamboridis LLC, DLA Piper and KPMG Greece.
Article Options
Notes and Media Contacts »
Disclaimer »
Articles in this section are primarily provided directly by the companies appearing or PR agencies which are solely responsible for the content. The companies concerned may use the above content on their respective web sites provided they link back to http://www.ameinfo.com
Any opinions, advice, statements, offers or other information expressed in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AME Info FZ LLC / 4C. AME Info FZ LLC / 4C is not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or reliability of any material, advice, opinion or statement in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site.
For details about submitting your stories, please read the guide - all content published is subject to our terms and conditions



Posted by Ishraq Al Tal



