Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder antenna is compatible with the OneWeb constellation. Photo: Stellar Blu

Gilat Satellite Networks is acquiring Stellar Blu for the company’s in-flight connectivity terminals. Gilat announced the deal on Monday, and will pay $98 million cash for the business and up $147 million more for post-closing financial goals, for an overall $245 million deal. 

Stellar Blu has developed the Sidewinder electronically steered array (ESA) terminal for the aviation market, which is compatible with Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Intelsat, Panasonic, OneWeb, and others have all selected Sidewinder to provide next-generation satcom solution offerings. Stellar Blu Solutions was launched in 2020 as the new corporate identity for GDC Technics’ advanced technology unit. 

Gilat said this acquisition will increase its presence in the aviation market, projecting annual revenues from the acquired business between $100 million to $150 million beginning in 2025, based on Stellar Blu’s existing backlog. 

This would be a significant boost to Gilat’s income. In 2023, the company reported $266 million in revenue for the full year. Gilat expects revenue between $305 million and $325 million in 2024. 

“The acquisition is a major milestone in Gilat’s growth strategy to expand its business further into the IFC market,” commented Gilat CEO Adi Sfadia. “We believe that with Gilat’s global reach, we can bring Stellar Blu’s innovative solutions to other high-end mobility markets in need of an ESA solution. We see strong synergies between the companies.” 

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in the second half of this year. The transaction will have to clear the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), as Stellar Blu is headquartered in Texas and Gilat is headquartered in Israel.