MDA Space to Acquire SatixFy Communications
Bramton, Ontario, Canada, April 1, 2025-- MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA),and SatixFy Communications Ltd. (NYSE American: SATX)oday jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which MDA Space will acquire all outstanding shares of SatixFy in an all-cash transaction for US$ 2.10 per share. The transaction, which represents an equity value for SatixFy of approximately US$ 193 million (approximately CDN$ 278 million).
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Next Generation Chipsets for Satellite Communications with Robust Patent Portfolio
Founded in 2012, SatixFy is a supplier of cutting-edge semiconductors and solutions for the space and the satellite communications value chain. SatixFy's technology enables satellite broadband and direct-to-device constellations with its radiation hardened digital beamformers enabling them to generate hundreds of beams, designed to significantly improve satellite performance and decrease cost. SatixFy has invested approximately US$270 million in research and development to date, and once closed, the transaction will bring to MDA Space a differentiated technology portfolio including more than 60 patents issued and pending, as well as a talented and largely specialized technical employee base of approximately 165 people globally. In addition to chips to support satellite payload solutions and satellite communications, the SatixFy portfolio includes gateways, multi-beam digital antennas, user terminals and modems.
"With this acquisition MDA Space is taking a logical next step to further reinforce our technical differentiation as the global market transitions from analog to digital satellite technology," said Mike Greenley, Chief Executive Officer of MDA Space. "Similar to MDA Space, SatixFy is an innovation company at its core, and bringing these two highly skilled teams together adds complementary expertise and technology that will allow us to further enhance our value proposition for current and future customers by providing vertically integrated and differentiated digital satellite solutions."
"SatixFy has consistently aimed to revolutionize the market with digital chip-based solutions while establishing a world-leading space technology company. Joining MDA Space marks a significant milestone in that journey," said Nir Barkan, Chief Executive Officer of SatixFy. "This transaction is a testament to the innovation and dedication of our employees over the past decade. It will provide the scale, resources, and stability needed to continue delivering groundbreaking solutions for our customers."
Strategic Highlights
The market for software-defined digital satellite constellations is rapidly expanding, driven by increased demand for satellite-based broadband, direct-to-device connectivity and the Internet of Things. Market research firm NSR forecasts that over 89% of all communications satellites built in the ten years between 2023 and 2032 will include some level of software-defined technology.
The acquisition of SatixFy is expected to enhance MDA Space's capabilities in this growing digital satellite communications market by:
- Adding complementary technology and a rich IP portfolio to enable end-to-end satellite communications solutions and expand offerings by combining MDA Space technology and capabilities in digital LEO and MEO satellites (MDA AURORATM) with SatixFy's space grade chips and communications systems;
- Vertically integrating a key and differentiated technology provider for MDA Space Satellite Systems business;
- Adding a highly specialized and complementary technical team to MDA Space; and
- Aligning the technology roadmap for MDA Space next generation software-defined digital satellites to continue to meet evolving needs of customers.
Transaction Details
MDA Space will acquire all outstanding ordinary shares of SatixFy for US$2.10 in cash per share, representing a 75% premium to SatixFy's closing price on March 31, 2025 and a 52% premium to SatixFy's 30-day volume weighted average price as of March 31, 2025. As part of the transaction, MDA Space also intends to retire SatixFy's existing debt of approximately US$76 million (approximately C$109 million) immediately upon closing, which represents a total cash consideration of approximately US$269 million (approximately C$387 million) for the transaction.
The transaction is expected to be accretive to MDA Space adjusted earnings in 2027 which will represent the second full year of MDA Space ownership. The transaction is also expected to realize cost savings within 12 months of closing, primarily as a result of the vertical integration of space chips and the elimination of public company costs.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals. the transaction is supported by Boards of Directors and Major SatixFy Shareholders and has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of MDA Space and SatixFy, as well as a Special Committee and the Audit Committee of SatixFy.
Certain of SatixFy's directors, officers and significant shareholders, holding an aggregate of approximately 57% of the outstanding ordinary shares of SatixFy, have entered into voting support agreements in favor of the transaction.
The Transaction Agreement includes a 45-day go-shop period extending until May 16, 2025 (the "Go-Shop Period"), during which time SatixFy, with the assistance of its financial adviser, will, subject to the requirements and limitations set forth in the Transaction Agreement, including matching rights of MDA Space, be permitted to actively solicit, evaluate and enter into negotiations with third parties that express an interest in acquiring SatixFy with a view to obtaining a potential Superior Proposal (as defined in the Transaction Agreement). The Transaction Agreement includes customary break-fees in certain circumstances.
The transaction is subject to, among other things, regulatory approvals and requires the affirmative vote of the holders of the outstanding SatixFy Shares, in accordance with the applicable voting requirements under the Israeli Companies Law at a shareholders' meeting of SatixFy expected to be held in the second quarter of 2025, as well as other customary closing conditions. Approval of the shareholders of MDA Space is not required.
Advisors
Citi is serving as exclusive financial advisor to MDA Space and Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP is serving as legal counsel to MDA Space. TD Cowen is serving as exclusive financial advisor to SatixFy and Goldfarb Gross Seligman & Co. and Sullivan & Worcester LLP are serving as legal counsel to SatixFy.
