[August 03, 2011] Astrium to acquire Vizada Tweet Aug 03, 2011 (Datamonitor Financial Deals Tracker via COMTEX) -- Astrium GmbH has entered into an agreement to acquire Vizada SAS, a provider of satellite-based mobility communication services, from private equity firms Apax Partners, SA and Altamir Amboise for $960 million. Vizada, Apax, and Altamir Amboise are based in France. Astrium, a subsidiary of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company NV (EADS), is a Germany-based manufacturer of space military satellite systems for the telecommunication, navigation, and earth observation industries. Vizada is expected to generate around $660 million in revenues and $95 million in EBITDA in 2011. With over 700 employees, Vizada has over 0.2 million end users around the world with presence in five continents. UBS Investment Bank is acting as financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is acting as legal advisor to Apax Partners. Deal Value (US$ Million) 960 Deal Type Acquisition Sub-Category 100% Acquisition Deal Status Announced: 2011-08-01 Deal Participants Target (Company) Vizada SAS Acquirer (Company) Astrium GmbH (formerly Dornier Satellitensysteme GmbH) Deal Rationale The acquisition will broaden the range of services offered by EADS, strengthening the group's presence across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the US. Bringing Vizada together with Astrium will enable EADS to be more innovative, diversifying its range of services and providing its customers with greater flexibility. The transaction marks a further step towards the realization of EADS' strategy to balance platforms with services, develop business in North America, and diversify its workforce. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]