Photo: Gilat

Gilat Satellite Networks (Gilat) has completed the acquisition of Stellar Blu Solutions (Stellar Blu), a U.S.-based provider of satellite communications terminals in a bid to strengthen its position in the in-flight connectivity (IFC) market. Gilat expects its annual revenues from Stellar Blu to range between $120 and $150 million in 2025, based on Stellar Blu’s backlog. Gilat announced the completed acquisition, Jan. 7.

Gilat estimates that once Stellar Blu reaches its target manufacturing capacity, which Gilat expects will occur during the second half of 2025, Stellar Blu’s EBITDA margin is expected to be above 10%.

Gilat paid $98 million cash for the business and could pay up to $147 million in additional payments depending on financial milestones. The deal was first announced in June of 2024. 

“We expect Stellar Blu’s cutting-edge technologies, combined with Gilat’s advanced IFC solutions to position us as a market leader for both commercial and business aviation, as well as adjacent high-end mobility markets that are ideal for electronically steered antenna (ESA) applications. With the increasing demand for free, seamless, high-quality in-flight Wi-Fi and Stellar Blu’s pioneering expertise in multi-orbit LEO and GEO IFC solutions, this acquisition enhances Gilat’s ability to meet the most demanding service level agreements in the industry, opening up new growth opportunities in aviation and beyond,” Gilat CEO Adi Sfadia said in a statement.

The company has also announced this week that it has received $9 million in orders from major satellite operators. The orders are for its advanced satellite communications platforms, SkyEdge IV and SkyEdge II-c equipment and services. Delivery is scheduled within the next 12 months. SkyEdge platforms are designed to deliver high-performance satellite communications for a variety of applications, including maritime, cellular backhaul, and enterprise solutions.