Astrium to take majority stake in ND Satcom

* Astrium Services and SES ASTRA to strengthen relationship



Munich, – SES ASTRA, an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), and Astrium, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (Euronext Paris: EAD), announced today that Astrium will purchase a 75.1 percent stake in SES ASTRA’s satellite equipment provider and ground system integrator ND SatCom, based in Friedrichshafen, Germany. In 2009, ND SatCom’s contribution to SES revenues was 81 million Euros.



With this agreement, SES ASTRA and Astrium will further reinforce 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.



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.



Eric Béranger, 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.“





About Astrium

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2009, Astrium had a turnover of €4.8 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and Astrium Services for comprehensive end-to-end value-added solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security satellite communications equipment, bespoke geo-information and navigation services worldwide.



EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2009, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 42.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 119,000.