Hispasat owner Abertis has deconsolidated the satellite operator from its accounts in a move the frees up a sale of both Abertis’ motorway construction interests and Hispasat itself.
In the frame to take on the Spanish satellite operator is energy company Red Eléctrica (REE), which is looking to buy the 57 per cent owned by Abertis, and 34 per cent still held by Eutelsat.
Álvaro Nadal, Minister of Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda has so far refused to give permission for Eutelsat to sell its stake in Hispasat.
The transaction would value Hispasat at €1,000 million.
Separately, the European Commission has now approved the proposed acquisition of Abertis by Hochtief (ACS Group).
The German company is opposed to a sell off of Hispasat before its bid is fully considered.
Its already facing competition for Abertis from its Italian counterpart Atlantia.
