Viasat acquires Inmarsat

Californian technology and communications company Viasat Inc has completed its acquisition of European communications satellite specialist Inmarsat in a deal worth US$551 million.

The combined company aims to drive growth in the increasingly dynamic and competitive satellite communications industry, says Viasat. The company’s assets, once fully integrated, are expected to increase the pace and scope of innovation in the global satellite connectivity sector, offering new and improved capabilities to customers including speed, flexibility, reliability, coverage and security.

“The combination of our companies brings together the people, technology, innovation, network assets, spectrum resources and global partnerships needed to help connect the world more affordably, securely and reliably,” said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat. “Together, we believe we are positioned to offer customers a multi-layered network that gives them the right connectivity at the right time, place and price.

The combined company will continue to be led by Dankberg as Chairman and CEO and Guru Gowrappan as President. Viasat also reconfirmed that its new global international business headquarters will be in London. Corporate headquarters will continue to be in Carlsbad, California.

The closing of the Inmarsat acquisition enables the companies to bring together spectrum, satellite, and terrestrial assets, including 19 satellites in space spanning Ka-, L- and S- bands. These complementary assets are expected to deliver connectivity and key safety services across maritime, aviation, government and consumer markets with speed and reliability of connection front of mind.