Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) today initiated the process of divesting its stake in Hispasat by exercising the put option granted in 2008 by Hispasat’s majority shareholder, the Abertis Group. Eutelsat holds a 33.69% stake in Hispasat through its subsidiary, Eutelsat Services und Beteiligungen GmbH. Under the terms of the put option agreement, the value of the Hispasat stake will be determined by an independent expert.

The transaction will proceed subject to Spanish government consent.