Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR), a provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, and exactEarth Ltd. (TSX: XCT) announced today that the companies have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement under which Spire will acquire exactEarth for approximately US$161.2 million (CAD$204.2 million) in cash and stock, which implies ~9.1x exactEarth’s Enterprise Value to LTM revenue.

Providence Equity Partners, a  private equity firm that specialises in the media, communications, education, software and services industries, has agreed to acquire a majority shareholding in Marlink from Apax Partners SAS, a European private equity firm based in Paris. The transaction results in an enterprise value for Marlink Group of approximately US$1.4 Billon.

Apax, will retain a significant minority shareholding. Marlink’s management team and world leading investment house Ardian have also committed to minority interests.

ITS Electronics, a provider of satellite communications  equipment for earth stations, mobile, naval and aeronautical applications and TTI Norte, a provider of satellite communications equipment for earth stations and space applications announced today a strategic partnership agreement. The agreement enables ITS Electronics and TTI Norte to access and sell each company’s RF products/services, jointly develop products and provide after sales support for products in EMEA and North America.

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) confirms the closing of its US$ 550 million equity investment in OneWeb announced on April 27, 2021. Subject to completion of the subsequently announced investments in OneWeb by Bharti and Hanwha, Eutelsat will hold a 17.6% stake.

As with many industries, the satellite industry has not been spared the effects of  the global COVID-19 pandemic which hit the world over a year and a half ago. The pandemic has drastically disrupted supply chains and practically shut down key market segments for satellite such as in-flight connectivity and some key segments of the maritime sector such as  the cruise ship business.  Some key installations and contracts were delayed due to travel restrictions.

 space-symposium-logo.jpgThe 36th edition of the Space Symposium held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs from August 23-26, 2021 was the first major industry event to be held live since the start of the pandemic in 2020.