German space systems developer OHB Technology has acquired 100% of Thales Alenia Space Antwerp from Thales Alenia Space France for an undisclosed amount.
Thales Alenia Space Antwerp specialises in the development and manufacture of ground stations…
German space systems developer OHB Technology has acquired 100% of Thales Alenia Space Antwerp from Thales Alenia Space France for an undisclosed amount.
Thales Alenia Space Antwerp specialises in the development and manufacture of ground stations equipments used particularly in telecommunications and earth observation. The company, which has 42 employees, generated 2009 annual sales of approximately ?10m.
The acquisition is a good fit for OHB as it significantly bolsters its ground segment operations as well as complements its growth strategy of increasingly focussing on participating in European Space Agency (ESA) projects.
OHB points out that Belgium is ESA’s fifth-largest contributor, while Thales Alenia Space Antwerp has been contracted to build the network interconnecting the ground stations for the European global satellite-based navigation system Galileo. OHB won the contract to build the first 14 Galileo satellites, out of a maximum of 32, a deal that is worth ?566m.
Steffen Leuthold, corporate communications manager at OHB, told SatelliteFinance that while the company is not currently targeting any additional bolt-on acquisitions, it continues to look at potential opportunities, particular in relation to ESA.
Leuthold said: “We haven’t planned further acquisitions, but we always keep an eye on the space branch in Europe. Our M&A strategy is very ESA oriented but we are also seeking to extend our portfolio and competences.”
