News Analysis

Hickory, NC, Feb. 1, 2019 — CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM), a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has agreed to acquire ARRIS International plc (NASDAQ: ARRS), a global leader in entertainment and communications solutions, in an all-cash transaction for $31.75 per share, or a total purchase price of approximately US$ 7.4 billion, including the repayment of debt.

Saint Gregoire, France, Jan. 31, 2019 — AVIWEST, a global provider of video contribution systems, announced today that the company saw a 20 percent acceleration in purchase order growth in 2018. AVIWEST also announced it will be expanding across the United States, Europe, and India, with new engineering positions currently open in the company's R&D, support and pre-sales, and sales departments.

Chicago, Ill., Jan. 30, 2019 — Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has reported fourth-quarter revenue of US$ 28.3 billion and GAAP earnings per share of US$ 5.93 on record commercial deliveries, higher defense and services volume, and strong performance. In the company’s Defense, Space & Security segment, fourth-quarter revenue increased to US$ 6.1 billion driven by increased volume across F/A-18, satellites, and weapons. Fourth-quarter operating margin increased to 10.9 percent, primarily reflecting favorable mix.

Melbourne, Fla., Jan. 29, 2019 — Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) reported fiscal 2019 second quarter revenue of US$ 1.7 billion, up 9% compared with the prior year. GAAP earnings per diluted share (EPS) from continuing operations increased 74% to US$ 1.88, and non-GAAP EPS increased 19% to US$ 1.96. Net income increased 72% to US$ 225 million, and adjusted earnings before interest and taxes increased 18% to US$ 327 million with margin expansion of 150 basis points (bps).

Mclean, Va., Jan. 16, 2019 – Aireon LLC today announced it has signed a credit facility agreement for US$200 million with a group of several independent investor funds, led by Deutsche Bank. This credit facility provides Aireon with the resources to fund various company initiatives and to continue to pay Iridium for the costs related to the integration, launch and hosting of the AireonSM payload on each of the 81 Iridium NEXT satellites.

London, UK, Jan. 15, 2019 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced its investment in Isotropic Systems Ltd., a London-based startup pioneering next-generation solutions to better connect people and enterprises around the globe.

Madley, Herefordshire, UK, Jan. 15, 2019 – ETL Systems, a designer and manufacturer of RF equipment for satellite communications today announced it has acquired  Atlantic Microwave, a provider of microwave components and satellite communication test equipment.

Vanderberg Air Force Base, Calif., Jan. 11, 2019 – Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM) announced today that at 07:31 am PST (15:31 UTC) SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base and delivered the final 10 Iridium NEXT satellites to low earth orbit (LEO). All 10 satellites have successfully communicated with the Iridium Satellite Network Operations Center and are preparing to undergo initial on-orbit testing. This was the eighth and final launch for Iridium’s historic launch campaign with SpaceX, seeing a total of 75 new satellites deployed over less than two years.

New York, NY, January 10, 2019- -The World Teleport Association (WTA) today published its annual rankings for the Top Teleport Operators of 2018. The annual rankings of companies by revenue and revenue growth are compiled by surveying teleport operators around the world as well as referencing the published results of publicly-held companies. 

The January-February 2019 issue of  the Satellite Executive Briefing magazine  focusing on a Year-end review of the top stories and key trends in the global satellite industry  sponsored by The Spaceconnection Featuring:

Opportunities in the Satellite Ground Segment Market by Dan Freyer

Developments in the 5G Ecosystem by Elisabeth Tweedie

Guess Who is 'Minding the Gap'? by Lou Zacharilla

The Satellite Value-Add in Geneva and Dubai by Martin Jarrold

Executive Spotlight interview with Mitja Lovsin, General Manager, STN

PLUS Mergers and Acquisitions, Executive Moves, Market Briefs, Vital Statistics  and many more. Click here to read or download the file