Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and key OneWeb shareholders have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the objective of creating a leading global player in Connectivity through the combination of both companies in an all-share transaction. Eutelsat will combine its 36-strong fleet of GEO satellites with OneWeb’s constellation of 648 Low Earth Orbit satellites, of which 428 are currently in orbit.
The transaction would be structured as an exchange of OneWeb shares by its shareholders (other than Eutelsat) with new shares issued by Eutelsat, such that, at closing, Eutelsat would own 100% of OneWeb (excluding the ‘Special Share’ of the UK Government). OneWeb shareholders would receive 230 million newly issued Eutelsat shares representing 50% of the enlarged share capital4.
The potential transaction builds on the deepening collaboration between Eutelsat and OneWeb, begun with the equity stake acquired by Eutelsat in OneWeb in April 2021, the global distribution agreement between Eutelsat and OneWeb announced in March 2022, and the new exclusive commercial partnership5, addressing mainly the European and global cruise markets, signed today.
Commenting on the combination, Dominique D’Hinnin, Eutelsat’s Chairman said “I am delighted to announce this new and significant step in the collaboration between Eutelsat and OneWeb. Bringing together our two businesses will deliver a global first, combining LEO constellations and GEO assets to seize the significant growth opportunity in Connectivity, and deliver to our customers solutions to their needs across an even wider range of applications. This combination will accelerate the commercialisation of OneWeb’s fleet, while enhancing the attractiveness of Eutelsat’s growth profile. In addition, the combination carries significant value creation potential, anchored on a balanced mix of revenue, cost and capex synergies. The strong support of strategic shareholders of both parties is a testament to the huge opportunity that this combination offers and the value that will be created for all its stakeholders. This is truly a game changer for our industry.”
Sunil Bharti Mittal, OneWeb’s Executive Chairman said “Having played a pioneering role in providing connectivity in the emerging world, I am excited about the possibilities of connecting the unconnected. The combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb represents a significant development in that direction as well as a unique GEO/LEO combination. The positive early results of our service together with our strong pipeline represent a very exciting opportunity in the fast-growing satellite connectivity segment, especially for customers requiring a high speed, low latency experience. Our customers are actively seeking a combined GEO/LEO offering leading us towards this important step. Bharti, as the lead shareholder of OneWeb, along with other key shareholders, is looking forward to playing a meaningful role in providing expanded connectivity through the combination of OneWeb and Eutelsat.”
Eva Berneke, Eutelsat’s Chief Executive Officer said “Our initial investment in OneWeb was underpinned by our strong belief that the future growth in Connectivity will be driven by both GEO and LEO capacity. This belief has intensified as our relationship with OneWeb has deepened, first by raising our stake in the company, and then with the global distribution agreement signed a few months ago. We are now moving to the next level, with a full combination that will ensure the potential of the GEO/LEO integration is fully realized, supported by compelling financial, strategic, and industrial logic. This ground-breaking combination will create a powerful global player with the financial strength and technical expertise to accelerate both OneWeb’s commercial deployment, and Eutelsat’s pivot to Connectivity. The combined entity will be geared towards profitable growth, with strong medium-term cash flow generation and a rapid deleveraging driven by strong forecast EBITDA growth. The benefits for our customers and strategic partners, who are at the center of our strategy, are both significant and unique. This is also a very exciting opportunity for our employees who will be key to the success of this transformation.”
Neil Masterson, OneWeb’s Chief Executive Officer said “Just 20 months ago, OneWeb resumed its mission to connect the unconnected and remove the barriers to connectivity that hold back many of the world’s underserved economies and communities. Since then, we have turned this vision into reality and become the second largest low Earth orbit satellite operator in the world. Today’s announcement is another bold step in OneWeb’s remarkable journey. It is testament to the resilience, execution and innovation of our teams, the strong demand we have seen since launching our commercial services, and the close collaboration we have forged with our partners to provide high-speed, low latency connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. This combination accelerates our mission to deliver connectivity that will change lives at scale and create a fast growing, well-funded company which will continue to create significant value for our shareholders.”
A compelling market opportunity
Eutelsat and OneWeb will address the considerable Connectivity market opportunity, which is fueled by the growing needs of customers in both the B2B and B2C segments for consistent, reliable connectivity. These market segments are forecast to grow by three and five times respectively over the next decade, to reach a combined value of circa $16bn by 2030, with growth being served by both GEO HTS and LEO capacity6.
Moreover, the combination of the network density, compelling economics and high throughput of GEO with the low latency and ubiquity of LEO, creates the optimal solution to address an even wider range of customer needs, thereby expanding the addressable market.
A powerful combination, representing a game-changer in the industry
The operations of Eutelsat and OneWeb are highly complementary. A clear roadmap has been designed to develop over time a complementary GEO/LEO service including a common platform, hybrid terminals and a fully mutualized network creating a one-stop shop solution for customers, providing them with a unique offering and a seamless user experience.
Tapping into significant revenue, cost and capex synergies
The combination of Eutelsat with OneWeb is forecast to generate substantial value:
Average annual revenue synergies are estimated at circa €150m after four years, with hybrid GEO/LEO offerings providing a premium service to customers as well as improving the fill rate.
Synergies from joining organizational forces are expected to generate annual run-rate savings of over €80m pre-tax after five years, mostly through cost duplication avoidance.
Capex optimization is expected to generate average savings estimated at circa €80m per annum, from year one. This would be achieved by leveraging the hybrid GEO/LEO satellite infrastructure and through the improved purchasing power of the combined entity.
These sources of incremental value creation represent a balanced split between revenues, costs and capex. Taken together they equate to a net present value of over €1.5bn after tax (net of implementation costs).
Value-creative pathway to robust, profitable growth
The transaction provides a platform for both entities to create value while transforming their respective growth profiles and cash generation potential.
Combined entity would have revenues of circa €1.2bn and EBITDA of circa €0.7bn in FY22-23.
Revenues are forecast to grow at low double-digit CAGR over the next decade.
EBITDA is expected to grow at a mid-teen CAGR over the medium to long term, outpacing sales growth, with EBITDA margin levels moving gradually back in line with best-in-class GEO standards.
The capex of the combined entity is estimated in average at some €725m to €875m, per annum, over the period FY23-24 – FY29-30.
Well-funded investment programme and rapid deleveraging
Eutelsat’s strong cash flow generation will provide both visibility and funding to develop OneWeb’s fleet at minimal risk. Combined EBITDA – CAPEX, standing at circa -€0.2bn in FY22-23 is expected to be back in positive territory by FY24-25 – FY25-26 (depending on Gen-2 capex phasing).
Eutelsat will temporarily suspend its dividend, and cash flow will be focused on the deployment of the Gen 2 constellation while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
Leverage, which would stand at circa 4x net debt / EBITDA post transaction, is expected to be reduced on the back of strong EBITDA growth, backed by a disciplined financial policy, with an objective of leverage of circa 3x in the medium term.
Eutelsat will pay its dividend in respect of FY21-22 with a scrip option. Thereafter, the dividend will be suspended for FY22-23 and FY23-24.
Structure of the transaction
The transaction would be structured as an exchange of OneWeb shares for newly issued Eutelsat shares. This excludes the ‘Special Share’ in OneWeb which is retained by the UK Government together with the existing rights associated therewith. OneWeb shareholders would receive 230 million newly issued Eutelsat shares, representing 50% of Eutelsat’s enlarged share capital7.
The number of new Eutelsat shares to be received by existing OneWeb shareholders would not be affected by the payment of the €0.93 per share dividend with a scrip option for FY 21-22 to be proposed at the upcoming AGM of Eutelsat.
Trading under its existing name, OneWeb will continue to operate the LEO business, with OneWeb’s headquarters remaining in the UK.
Eutelsat will continue to be headquartered and domiciled in France, listed on Euronext Paris and would apply for admission to the standard segment of the UK Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange (subject to meeting the applicable eligibility requirements and the approval of the UK Financial Conduct Authority).
A new balanced ownership and governance
The combined entity will have a balanced ownership structure with a substantial free float alongside anchor public shareholders and supportive private investors.
The Board of Directors of the combined group would consist of 15 members including ten independent directors. Seven directors, in addition to the CEO of Eutelsat, would be proposed by Eutelsat and its key shareholders and seven directors would be proposed by OneWeb and its key shareholders (the number of directors proposed by each of key Eutelsat and OneWeb shareholders being commensurate to their shareholding in Eutelsat post transaction).
It is contemplated that, post-closing, a shareholder agreement between Eutelsat key shareholders and OneWeb key shareholders which does not qualify as a concerted action be in place. It would in substance provide for the right for each party to propose 1 director (if its shareholding is at least 7.5%) and 2 directors (if its shareholding is at least 15%), as well as a 6-month lock up period.
Dominique D’Hinnin would be proposed as Chairman of the combined entity and Sunil Bharti Mittal as Co-Chairman (Vice-Président). Eva Berneke would continue as CEO of the combined entity.
Indicative timetable and next steps
The Memorandum of Understanding has been unanimously approved by each of Eutelsat’s and OneWeb’s board of directors and the envisaged transaction is fully supported by both parties’ long-term investors, namely Bpifrance, Fonds Stratégique de Participations, Bharti, HMG, SoftBank and Hanwha. CMA CGM, a shareholder of Eutelsat, is also supporting the proposed combination. It will be submitted to the French Eutelsat Works Council information and consultation process.
The Memorandum of Understanding provides for customary exclusivity commitments by Eutelsat and key Eutelsat and OneWeb shareholders.
The transaction will be subject to clearance from relevant regulatory authorities.
The transaction will also be conditional on approval by Eutelsat’s shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Eutelsat, to take place by end of first half 2023. Bpifrance and Fonds Stratégique de Participations have undertaken to vote in favour of the transaction-related resolutions at this EGM, subject to usual conditions.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of first half of 2023.
Advisors
Eutelsat is assisted by d’Angelin & Co., Perella Weinberg Partners and Rothschild & Co as financial advisors. Eutelsat is advised by Weil Gotshal & Manges (Paris and London) for all legal aspects of this transaction.
OneWeb is assisted by Barclays as financial advisor. OneWeb is advised by Herbert Smith Freehills LLP as its legal advisor for all aspects of this transaction.
Webcast Audio / Video
A webcast will be held on Tuesday 26th of July 2022 at 8:30am CET.
To connect to the live call, please dial:
+33 (0)1 70 73 03 39 (from France)
+44 (0)330 165 4012 (from the U.K)
+1 720-452-7989 (from the United States)
Access code: 3285948#
Click here to access the webcast presentation
Replay information: available from July 26th, 12:30 to August 02, 12:30 CET by dialling:
+33 (0) 1 70 48 00 94 (from France)
+44 (0)20 3859 5407 (from the UK)
+1 719-457-0820 (from the USA)
Access code: 3285948#
In addition, the Full Year 2021-22 results press release is available on https://www.eutelsat.com/en/news/press.html#/
About Eutelsat Communications
Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world’s leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Around 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Committed to promoting all facets of sustainable development across its business activities, Eutelsat leverages its in-orbit resources to help bridge the digital divide while maintaining a safe and uncluttered space environment. As an attractive and socially responsible employer, Eutelsat assembles 1,200 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service.
Eutelsat Communications is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.
About OneWeb
OneWeb is a global communications network powered from space, headquartered in London, enabling connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. It is implementing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites with a network of global gateway stations and a range of user terminals to provide an affordable, fast, high-speed and low-latency communications service, connected to the IoT future and a pathway to 5G. www.oneweb.net
Disclaimer
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO, OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF THAT JURISDICTION
This communication does not constitute or form part of and should not be construed as any offer for sale of or solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of Eutelsat Communications, nor should it, or any part of it, form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever concerning Eutelsat Communications’ assets, activities or shares.
This communication contains combined data (including synergies) which are estimate based on the completion of the combination between Eutelsat Communications and OneWeb.
All statements other than historical facts included in this communication, including without limitations, those regarding Eutelsat Communications’ position, business strategy, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements included herein are for illustrative purposes only and are based on management’s current views and assumptions and current available information. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks. For illustrative purposes only, such risks include but are not limited to: postponement of any ground or in-orbit investments and launches including but not limited to delays of future launches of satellites; impact of financial crisis on customers and suppliers; trends in Fixed Satellite Services markets; development of Digital Terrestrial Television and High Definition television; development of satellite broadband services; Eutelsat Communications’ ability to develop and market value-added services and meet market demand; the effects of competing technologies developed and expected intense competition generally in its main markets; profitability of its expansion strategy; partial or total loss of a satellite at launch or in-orbit; supply conditions of satellites and launch systems; satellite or third-party launch failures affecting launch schedules of future satellites; litigation; ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships in its major businesses; and the effect of future acquisitions and investments.
Eutelsat Communications and OneWeb expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any projections, forecasts or estimates contained in this communication to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which any such statements are based, unless so required by applicable law. None of Eutelsat Communications and OneWeb, their shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, associates, or their respective directors, officers, partners, employees, representatives and advisers makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this communication, or otherwise made available, nor as to the reasonableness of any assumption contained herein or therein, and any liability therefor is expressly disclaimed. Nothing contained herein or therein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation, whether as to the past or the future and no reliance, in whole or in part, should be placed on the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information contained herein or therein.
Certain industry and market data contained in this communication has come from official or third party sources. Third party industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that the data contained therein have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that there is no guarantee of the accuracy or completeness of such data. While Eutelsat Communications believes that each of these publications, studies and surveys has been prepared by a reputable source, Eutelsat Communications has not independently verified the data contained therein. In addition, certain of the industry and market data contained in this communication has come from Eutelsat Communications’ own internal research and estimates based on the knowledge and experience of Eutelsat Communications’ management in the market in which Eutelsat Communications operates. While Eutelsat Communications believes that such research and estimates are reasonable and reliable, they, and their underlying methodology and assumptions, have not been verified by any independent source for accuracy or completeness and are subject to change without notice. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on any of the industry or market data contained in this communication.
No statement in this communication is intended as a profit forecast and no statement in this communication should be interpreted to mean that cash flow from operations, free cash flow, earnings or earnings per Eutelsat Communications share for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published cash flow from operations, free cash flow, earnings or earnings per Eutelsat Communications share. There can be no assurance that the proposed transaction between Eutelsat Communications and OneWeb will be consummated or that the anticipated benefits will be realised. The proposed transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals and the fulfilment of certain conditions, and there can be no assurance that any such approvals will be obtained and/or such conditions will be met.
In the United Kingdom, this communication is made only to and directed only at (a) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (b) persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) of the Order or (c) other persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated (each such person a “relevant person”).
The distribution of this communication or any information contained in it may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions, and any person into whose possession any document containing this communication or any part of it comes should inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with applicable requirements may constitute a violation of the laws and/or regulations of any such jurisdiction.
Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this and other documents may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.
Additional information
In connection with the proposed transaction, Eutelsat Communications intends to file with the AMF an information document in connection with the listing of its shares to be issued in exchange for the contribution by OneWeb key shareholders of part of the OneWeb shares. Investors are urged to carefully read all relevant documents filed with the AMF, including the information document when it becomes available, because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Investors may obtain free of charge a copy of the information document as well as other documents filed with the AMF (when they become available) on the AMF’s website at www.amf-france.org. Those documents, when filed, may also be obtained free of charge on Eutelsat Communications’ website at https://eutelsat.com.
1 Representing circa 74% of the share capital of OneWeb.
2 Other than Eutelsat.
3 Geostationary Orbit / Low Earth Orbit.
4 On the basis of the Eutelsat share capital as of today.
5 Eutelsat FY 21-22’s press release available at www.eutelsat.com
6 Source : Euroconsult Satellite Connectivity and Video Market, September 2021.
7 On the basis of the Eutelsat share capital as of today.
Contacts
Media enquiries
Eutelsat
Media in France
Marie-Sophie Ecuer + 33 6 89 62 17 74
David Bertolotti +33 1 53 98 46 72
Anne Méaux +33 6 89 87 61 76
Leslie Jung-Isenwater +33 6 78 70 05 55
Franck Pasquier +33 6 73 62 57 99
Media in the UK
Joanna Darlington / Alastair Elwen
FGS Global
+44 20 7251 3801
Eutelsat-LON@fgsglobal.com
Investors
Cédric Pugni +33 1 53 98 31 54
OneWeb
Dorothy Burwell
Carolina Neri
Theo Davies-Lewis
+44 20 7251 3801
oneweb-LON@fgsglobal.com
