LUXEMBOURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global satellite operator SES S.A. (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announces that its SES Satellite Leasing business unit in the Isle of Man was selected as the successful bidder in yesterday’s public auction for the Protostar 2 satellite with a USD 185 million, all cash offer. Upon conclusion of the transaction, Protostar 2 will be integrated into the global satellite fleet of SES WORLD SKIES to provide incremental capacity over Asia.

Protostar 2, built by Boeing, carries 22 physical Ku-Band transponders as well as 10 S-band transponders. The satellite was launched in May this year onboard a Proton rocket and is expected to provide at least 15-years of operational service.

“SES WORLD SKIES already has a thriving video neighborhood in the immediate vicinity of Protostar 2 as well as appropriate orbital rights that allow for expansion” said Rob Bednarek, President and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES. “By acquiring a healthy satellite in orbit we are fast-tracking future revenue growth and providing our customers with incremental capacity while reinforcing our commitment to the continued development of the Asian direct-to-home (DTH) market”.

The transaction is subject to certain regulatory and bankruptcy court approvals.

About SES

SES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES, 90% of SES SIRIUS in Europe, and participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a global fleet of 40 satellites in 26 orbital locations. For further information: www.ses.com