Eutelsat has entered into exclusive negotiations with an EQT Infrastructure Fund with a view to a sale of its ground infrastructure assets.
The proposals would carve out passive assets, such as land, buildings, support infrastructure, antennas and connectivity circuits for the combined portfolio of teleports and SNPs, to form a new company that would be incorporated as a standalone legal entity.
EQT would own 80% of the capital, while Eutelsat Group woukd remain as long-term shareholder, anchor tenant and partner of the new company with a 20% holding alongside EQT.
Eutelsat would then enter into a long-term framework master service agreement (MSA) covering services to be rendered by the new company to Eutelsat Group. The MSA would assure the seamless continuity of Eutelsat’s activities at the same high level of efficiency, reliability and security.
Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group, said, “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. “
Added Carl Sjölund, a partner within the EQT Value-Add Infrastructure advisory team, added: “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.”
The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
