Officials from New Skies Satellites N.V. late yesterday said the company is “engaged in advanced negotiations with a leading private equity firm” that soon could lead to The Netherlands-based satellite operator’s acquisition. Company officials did not disclose the name of the investment firm or the identities of other third parties that also are interested in acquiring it. Those officials added that the price currently being discussed is a premium over the company’s current share price.

Such a sale would be followed by a liquidation of the company and the distribution of the cash to its shareholders, New Skies officials said. The prospective purchaser would continue the company’s business and operations, they added.

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