[Satellite TODAY 10-25-10] Astrium Services intend to purchase a 75.1 percent stake in SES-owned German OEM and satellite ground systems integrator ND SatCom, Astrium announced Oct. 22.
    With the new stake agreement, SES Astra and Astrium said the companies would expand their long-term partnership and explore opportunities in developing new business services in governmental and institutional sectors, as well as other specific projects of satellite infrastructure.
SES Astra’s initial partnership with Astrium involved the operator placing an order for nine satellites, six of which are currently being manufactured at various Astrium sites throughout Europe.
    The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011. SES Astra already owns part of ND Satcom, as it purchased an 81 million euro ($112 million) stake in the company in 2009.
    “This underlines the strength of our commitment to grow our business in Germany – one of our major domestic markets. With this agreement, which should be concluded by early next year, we will be able to significantly expand our product line, combining the expertise of Astrium in satcoms secure networks and terminals with that of ND SatCom to deliver a more robust civilian markets, government and military,” Astrium Services CEO Eric Beranger said in a statement.