Insider Brief
- EQT Infrastructure VI is set to acquire 80% of Eutelsat Group’s Ground Station Infrastructure Business for EUR 790 million, with Eutelsat retaining a 20% stake as a long-term partner.
- The business, which operates a global network of satellite ground stations crucial for data transmission, will be rebranded and headquartered in France, aiming to become a market leader through further investments and expansion.
- The deal is expected to close in Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and is seen as a strategic move to enhance Eutelsat’s financial profile and position in the global connectivity market.
EQT Infrastructure VI has announced exclusive negotiations for the acquisition of 80% of the Ground Station Infrastructure Business of the Eutelsat Group at an enterprise value of EUR 790 million. Eutelsat will stay on as a long-term partner and anchor tenant with a 20% stake.
The Ground Station Business operates a global network of satellite ground stations critical for data transmission between Earth and satellite, serving global telecommunications and connectivity. The transaction will result in a rebranded company based in France. EQT intends to see it expand into being an overall market leader in its ground station sector, by investing further in upgrades and new sites as well as M&A. The deal is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to obtaining the required regulatory approvals and consultations.
Here’s what those involved in the deal had to say:
“At EQT, we identified satellite ground stations as an attractive digital infrastructure vertical several years ago. They play an important role in ensuring global connectivity, especially for those not covered by fixed and mobile connectivity solutions, and require deep global expertise in developing and operating telecommunications infrastructure businesses. We are delighted to partner with Eutelsat Group to create a ground station leader and capture the growth opportunity fueled by technological innovation.”
— Carl Sjölund, Partner within the EQT Value-Add Infrastructure advisory team
“We are proud to become the first satellite operator to embark on this innovative transaction which would allow us to build on the model adopted in other industries, and to optimise the value of our extensive ground network. In EQT we have found a partner of the highest quality, who shares our vision. This transaction would represent a win-win situation for all parties, and would enable Eutelsat to strengthen its financial profile, whilst continuing to rely on the unparalleled quality and reliability of its ground infrastructure. Moreover, we are confident that with the backing of EQT, the business would be in a position to fully embrace the opportunities opening up to it as the new global leader in this dynamic sector.”
— Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group
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