FCC Approves Sales of New Skies Satellites to Blackstone

The FCC approved the sale of New Skies Satellites to affiliates of The Blackstone Group, a leading private investment firm. The deal is expected to close this week. http://www.newskies.comhttp://www.blackstone.comThe Blackstone Group, a private investment and advisory firm, agreed to acquire New Skies Satellites N.V. for $956 million in cash, equivalent to approximately $7.96 per fully diluted share.

New Skies, which is based in The Netherlands, has five satellites in orbit, ground facilities around the world and one additional spacecraft under construction. The company also has secured certain rights to make use of additional orbital positions for future growth.

New Skies said the deal a 14% premium over the price of its stock on April 28th, the day before it announced that it was considering its alternatives, and a 27% premium to the average share price during the twelve months leading up to that date.