Karl Classen, CEO of ND Satcom, believes the company will gain a number of benefits from having SES Astra as a bigger shareholder. SES Astra increased its shareholding in ND Satcom, a supplier of satellite-based communication networks and ground stations, in April from 10 percent to 25 percent with an option to take full control of ND Satcom in 2006.

“The advantage of a larger SES stake for us is that we become more visible within the SES Global group and have better access to key resources,” Classen told Satellite Today. “From a branding point of view, the SES Global brand will help us to get access to new customers. I believe that being part of SES Global we will be better positioned to form key alliances in the industry.”

An exclusive interview with Karl Classen can be found in the June 20^th issue of Satellite News. For more information about subscribing to Access Intelligence’s satellite newsletters, check out our Web site at https://www.satellitetoday.com