SES Astra has completed the 100 percent acquisition of DPC Digital Playout Center from Premiere, the German pay-TV operator. DPC operates a broadcasting center in Unterfohring and offers services comprising play-out, multiplexing, encryption and satellite uplinks to private as well as public broadcasters.

The acquisition was initially announced in June 2004 for 41.2 million euros and a 75 percent stake. This was adapted following a requirement by the Bundeskartellamt (German Cartel Office) to give SES Astra sole ownership. The total cost of the acquisition is now 55 million euros. Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES Astra, commented, “Our ownership of DPC is a logical and strategic fit with SES Astra’s current positioning in the digital broadcasting value chain.”