
Eutelsat announces $1.56bn capital increase
Eutelsat to execute $1.56bn capital increase by year-end to advance its strategic vision and long-term goals.
Eutelsat has announced a Contemplated capital increase of $1.56 bn, anchored by key reference shareholders, to secure the execution of long-term strategic vision.
Eutelsat is one of only two global operators with active commercial LEO (Low Earth Orbit) fleets and with a clear differentiation, being the only one exclusively focused on the B2B and B2G markets. While the global satellite connectivity market is expected to increase by 12% per annum between 2025 and 2029, the global LEO B2B connectivity market, valued at over $2.1bn in 2025, is expected to grow at a 28% CAGR through 2029 and multiply its current size fivefold over the next eight years, offering significant short to long-term growth potential.
Eutelsat, the only GEO-LEO operator, and the only European operator with a fully operational LEO network, uniquely positioned to capture the momentum in the connectivity market.
Eutelsat is contemplating raising $1.56bn of capital by way of (i) a reserved capital increase of 716m at a price per share of 4 corresponding to a +32% premium to the 30-day-VWAP of the shares as computed on Euronext Paris (the Reserved Capital Increase), which would be subscribed by the French State via the Agence des Participations de lEtat (APE), Bharti Space Limited, CMA CGM, and Le Fonds Stratégique de Participations (FSP), and (ii) a rights issue of 634m (the Rights Issue), which would be subscribed for their rights by the above investors.
Prior to the approval of the Reserved Capital Increase by Eutelsats shareholders, the APE will acquire the shares of the Company currently held by Bpifrance Participations, at a price per share equal to the subscription price of the Reserved Capital Increase. Consequently, the Board member representing Bpifrance Participations would be replaced by a representative of the French State.
This capital increase would represent a pivotal step in Eutelsats strategic and financing roadmap, enabling the execution of its strategic vision. Coupled with a dedicated debt refinancing plan, this capital increase will reinforce the Companys financial flexibility by accelerating its deleveraging and support investment in its existing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capabilities and the future IRIS² constellation. On the back of the forthcoming capital increase, Eutelsat would reduce its leverage to c. 2.5x4 by year-end FY2025-26, and would be well placed to tap debt capital markets, raise export credit financing and extend its bank debt maturities in order to fully cover the financing needs of its medium-term plan.
Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat Group, said: Eutelsat enters a new chapter, centered on the deployment of LEO, a major innovative and technological revolution for the Satellite industry. Thanks to its differentiated GEO-LEO positioning and global coverage, Eutelsat is ready to become a central player in the development of the European sovereign space of tomorrow. I welcome the contemplated capital increase which will give Eutelsat the requisite financing to implement its strategic roadmap. I am grateful for the support of the French State and the ongoing commitment of our other anchor shareholders Bharti, CMA CGM and FSP and thank them for their confidence.
Eric Lombard, Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, stated: 'The French State is proud to contribute to strengthening Eutelsats capital structure and support the company at pivotal stage of its development. This transaction reflects our strong commitment towards a major player in satellite connectivity a strategic sector at the heart of Europes digital sovereignty while fostering remarkable potential for technological innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Through this transaction, France reaffirms its determination to build, together with the company and its European partners, a competitive, resilient, and sovereign space industry, particularly around the IRIS² programme, which is a key pillar of our strategic autonomy.
'We are convinced that the companys solid fundamentals its recognised expertise in geostationary orbit, its innovative solutions in low Earth orbit, its committed team, and its ambitious vision are the foundations for lasting success. Eutelsat is opening a new chapter in its history, and the State will be fully present to help write it alongside the company.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


ARN News Center
4 hours ago
- ARN News Center
Ukraine asks allies to allocate 0.25% of GDP to boost its weapon production
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Ukraine's Western partners to allocate 0.25 per cent of their GDP to helping Kyiv ramp up weapons production and said the country plans to sign agreements this summer to start exporting weapon production technologies. In remarks released for publication by his office on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was in talks with Denmark, Norway, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and Lithuania to launch joint weapon production. "Ukraine is part of Europe's security and we want 0.25% of the GDP of a particular partner country to be allocated for our defence industry and domestic production," Zelenskyy said. As the war with a bigger and better-equipped Russia has intensified in recent weeks, Ukraine's need for new weapons and ammunition is constantly growing. This year Kyiv had secured $43 billion to finance its domestic weapon production, Zelenskyy said. Member nations of the NATO military alliance are expected to meet next week in The Hague, to discuss higher defence spending. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has proposed that countries should each agree to spend 5 per cent of their GDP on defence and security measures. Zelenskyy said he was likely to visit the NATO summit, adding that several meetings with Western leaders had been set up on the sidelines. He also said that he hoped to meet US President Donald Trump. Last week, Zelenskyy attended the Group of Seven summit in Canada as he sought to discuss stronger sanctions against Russia and more military support for Ukraine with Trump there. But he failed to meet with the US President as Trump left a day early for Washington to address the Israel-Iran conflict. Ukraine currently covers about 40 per cent of its defence needs with domestic production, and the government is constantly looking for ways to increase production further. Kyiv plans to launch joint weapon production outside of the country and will start exporting some of its military production technologies, Zelenskyy said. "We have launched a programme 'Build with Ukraine' and in summer we will sign relevant agreements to start exporting our technologies abroad in the format of opening production lines in European countries," Zelenskyy said. The discussions focused on producing different types of drones, missiles, and potentially artillery, he added.


Broadcast Pro
6 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Eutelsat announces $1.56bn capital increase
Eutelsat to execute $1.56bn capital increase by year-end to advance its strategic vision and long-term goals. Eutelsat has announced a Contemplated capital increase of $1.56 bn, anchored by key reference shareholders, to secure the execution of long-term strategic vision. Eutelsat is one of only two global operators with active commercial LEO (Low Earth Orbit) fleets and with a clear differentiation, being the only one exclusively focused on the B2B and B2G markets. While the global satellite connectivity market is expected to increase by 12% per annum between 2025 and 2029, the global LEO B2B connectivity market, valued at over $2.1bn in 2025, is expected to grow at a 28% CAGR through 2029 and multiply its current size fivefold over the next eight years, offering significant short to long-term growth potential. Eutelsat, the only GEO-LEO operator, and the only European operator with a fully operational LEO network, uniquely positioned to capture the momentum in the connectivity market. Eutelsat is contemplating raising $1.56bn of capital by way of (i) a reserved capital increase of 716m at a price per share of 4 corresponding to a +32% premium to the 30-day-VWAP of the shares as computed on Euronext Paris (the Reserved Capital Increase), which would be subscribed by the French State via the Agence des Participations de lEtat (APE), Bharti Space Limited, CMA CGM, and Le Fonds Stratégique de Participations (FSP), and (ii) a rights issue of 634m (the Rights Issue), which would be subscribed for their rights by the above investors. Prior to the approval of the Reserved Capital Increase by Eutelsats shareholders, the APE will acquire the shares of the Company currently held by Bpifrance Participations, at a price per share equal to the subscription price of the Reserved Capital Increase. Consequently, the Board member representing Bpifrance Participations would be replaced by a representative of the French State. This capital increase would represent a pivotal step in Eutelsats strategic and financing roadmap, enabling the execution of its strategic vision. Coupled with a dedicated debt refinancing plan, this capital increase will reinforce the Companys financial flexibility by accelerating its deleveraging and support investment in its existing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capabilities and the future IRIS² constellation. On the back of the forthcoming capital increase, Eutelsat would reduce its leverage to c. 2.5x4 by year-end FY2025-26, and would be well placed to tap debt capital markets, raise export credit financing and extend its bank debt maturities in order to fully cover the financing needs of its medium-term plan. Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat Group, said: Eutelsat enters a new chapter, centered on the deployment of LEO, a major innovative and technological revolution for the Satellite industry. Thanks to its differentiated GEO-LEO positioning and global coverage, Eutelsat is ready to become a central player in the development of the European sovereign space of tomorrow. I welcome the contemplated capital increase which will give Eutelsat the requisite financing to implement its strategic roadmap. I am grateful for the support of the French State and the ongoing commitment of our other anchor shareholders Bharti, CMA CGM and FSP and thank them for their confidence. Eric Lombard, Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, stated: 'The French State is proud to contribute to strengthening Eutelsats capital structure and support the company at pivotal stage of its development. This transaction reflects our strong commitment towards a major player in satellite connectivity a strategic sector at the heart of Europes digital sovereignty while fostering remarkable potential for technological innovation and sustainable economic growth. Through this transaction, France reaffirms its determination to build, together with the company and its European partners, a competitive, resilient, and sovereign space industry, particularly around the IRIS² programme, which is a key pillar of our strategic autonomy. 'We are convinced that the companys solid fundamentals its recognised expertise in geostationary orbit, its innovative solutions in low Earth orbit, its committed team, and its ambitious vision are the foundations for lasting success. Eutelsat is opening a new chapter in its history, and the State will be fully present to help write it alongside the company.'


TAG 91.1
10 hours ago
- TAG 91.1
UAE to host landmark parliamentary session with EU President
A landmark parliamentary session is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on Monday, as Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), hosts Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, for an official UAE–European session. This marks the first-ever visit by a sitting European Parliament President to the Gulf region, highlighting the growing strategic ties between the UAE and the European Union. The visit follows an official invitation from the FNC and comes at a key moment in UAE–EU relations, with negotiations underway for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The session at the FNC's Zayed Hall in Abu Dhabi will bring together senior ministers, EU diplomats and officials for a dialogue focused on boosting parliamentary cooperation and aligning positions on regional and global issues. As part of the agenda, the FNC will also host the 18th meeting of GCC parliamentary heads, with Metsola joining discussions to further strengthen GCC–EU relations.