Hogan Lovells guides SES through transformational US$3.1 Billion acquisition of Intelsat

A cross-practice Hogan Lovells team provided strategic counsel to SES on a complex range of national security, regulatory and government relations matters. Given that both SES and Intelsat provide communications services and conduct classified work for the U.S. government, the transaction required careful navigation of regulatory approvals and authorizations from the Federal Communications Commission, “Team Telecom,” the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”), the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), as well as export control authorizations from the Departments of State and Commerce. A Hogan Lovells team also provided SES with foreign direct investment advice and support across multiple international jurisdictions.

Drawing on deep experience in international trade, government contracts, communications, national security, and strategic regulatory counseling to support SES through the transaction, the team ensured a smooth transaction without business disruptions.

"Our work on this deal exemplifies our firm’s strength in navigating the intersection of national security and cross-border regulatory strategy," said Stephen F. Propst, partner in Hogan Lovells' International Trade and Investment practice and co-lead of the firm’s Geopolitical Risk and National Security initiative.

"Hogan Lovells is proud to have supported SES in executing a seamless acquisition that not only strengthens its competitive position but also ensures the delivery of innovative and next generation connectivity solutions in a highly regulated environment," said Michele Farquhar, partner in Hogan Lovells' Communications, Internet and Media practice.

The Hogan Lovells team advising SES was led by Michele Farquhar and Stephen Propst, and included Michael Scheimer, Katy Milner, Brian Curran, Aline Doussin, Falk Schoening, Lourdes Catrain, Sen. Norm Coleman, Ashley Roberts, Zach Alvarez, Warren Kessler, Stefan Kirwitzke, Lauren Olmsted, Jay Mills and Thomas Veitch, spanning offices in Washington, D.C., London, Brussels, Paris, Munich, Madrid and Amsterdam.

This transaction highlights Hogan Lovells’ strength in cross-border regulatory matters and reflects the firm’s bold, connected, and solutions-driven approach to helping clients master change.