4iG and its two subsidiaries, Hungaro DigiTel and CarpathiaSat, have entered into a preliminary agreement with Spacecom to acquire a 51 percent stake in the target company. Spacecom, which is listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, is a satellite operator and service provider with global coverage through its four geosynchronous satellites, providing services in Hungary and the region via its AMOS 3 satellite. Following due diligence of the Spacecom, the successful completion of the transaction is conditional upon the approval of the acquisition by SpaceCom’s General Assembly and the Israeli Ministry of Communications. The transaction is estimated to be worth USD 65 million.
“This represents a significant vote of confidence in Spacecom, our operations and is an important component for implementing our strategic plans. The entrance of Hungary’s 4iG as owners will assist us in executing our strategic program, whose key point is changing from being a satellite capacity supplier to becoming a supplier of communication services over satellite. Among these are managed services, end-to-end services, and provision of advanced solutions in the communication value chain such as the planning, deployment, and operation of satellite communication networks. 4iG’s capital infusion into the company drastically improves our economic strength and abilities to meet future obligations.”
Spacecom CEO Dan Zajicek
A non-binding agreement on the details of the transaction was announced by the parties on the Budapest and Tel Aviv stock exchanges. Spacecom owns and operates a fleet of four geosynchronous AMOS satellites in various orbital positions (AMOS 3, AMOS 4, AMOS 7, and AMOS 17). The Israeli company provides broadcast and broadband satellite services to its customers worldwide. With 65 employees, Spacecom’s shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Spacecom had revenues of USD 88 million and EBITDA of USD 52 million in 2020. The company currently has a contracted backlog of USD 300 million.
“Following a preliminary agreement with Spacecom, I am confident that we will be able to complete the transaction this autumn, which would also mean that the 4iG Group has successfully completed its first international acquisition. I consider this transaction as a milestone not only in the growth of our group, but also in the preparation of an agreement that could open new doors for Hungary in the space industry and space telecommunications. Spacecom’s decades of technological experience, innovative solutions, global market knowledge and professional staff can provide CarpathiaSat with a high level of support for the development and launch of the first Hungarian commercial satellite. Thus, the acquisition is an important step for us in terms of knowledge transfer and the development of international strategic partnerships.”
Gellért Jászai, CEO of the company
Under the preliminary agreement, 4iG and its subsidiaries would acquire an absolute controlling majority stake in the Israeli company through a private placement. In order to complete the acquisition, 4iG will start due diligence on the target company, the results of which are expected by August and will allow it to make a final offer for a 51% stake in Spacecom. The closing of the USD 65 million transaction is expected in autumn 2021, subject to the approval of the company’s general assembly and the Israeli Ministry of Communications.
