Alcatel and Finmeccanica completed the formation of a pair of new joint ventures: Alcatel Alenia Space and Telespazio Holding, the companies announced July 1.

Alcatel Alenia Space (held 67 percent by Alcatel and 33 percent by Finmeccanica) focuses on the design, development and manufacturing of space systems, satellites, payloads orbital infrastructures and associated ground systems for civilian and military applications. The company’s operational headquarters are located in Cannes, France. Giorgio Zappa, the COO of Finmeccanica, was named chairman, while Pascale Sourisse will be the company’s president and CEO.

Telespazio Holding (held 67 percent by Finmeccanica and 33 percent by Alcatel) concentrates on operations and services for satellite solutions. The company is headquartered in Rome. Oliver Houssin, executive vice president of Alcatel and president of Alcatel’s Private Communications Group, was named chairman. Giuseppe Veredice was named CEO.