Speedcast Acquires UltiSat to Pursue Opportunities in Government

SpeedCast’s FlyCast, a quick-deploy communications system. Photo: Speedcast.

Speedcast International has agreed to acquire UltiSat for up to $100 million, payable over two years. UltiSat provides remote communications and professional services to governments, in particular the U.S. government, and to International Government Organizations (IGOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). According to Speeedcast, the acquisition complements its government activities in Australia, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

UltiSat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammed Abutaleb will lead the newly-formed government division at Speedcast that will be focused on providing communication solutions and professional services to Speedcast’s and UltiSat’s existing and new government and IGO customers, as well as driving new growth in the nearly $5 billion market for government and military satellite communications.

The transaction is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of this year, but will be subject to regulatory approvals.

The acquisition comes at an opportune time, as Speedcast CEO Pierre-Jean Beylier stated he expects government spending on communications to increase.