The Court of Appeal confirms APS purchase by SES ASTRA

[BGonaSTICK]

The Court of Appeal (Oberlandesgericht) of Düsseldorf has confirmed the acquisition of the TV playout centre ASTRA Platform Services (APS) by SES ASTRA. The Court has announced today that a complaint of the satellite operator Eutelsat against the Cartel Office has been rejected.

SES ASTRA had agreed with the Pay-TV operator Premiere in June 2004 to acquire 100 percent of APS. The Cartel Office had approved the acquisition in December 2004. Eutelsat had filed a complaint against this in early 2005. APS offers broadcasting and encryption services as well as digital broadcasting services for TV channels.

“We are very satisfied that the Court agrees with the arguments of the Cartel Office”, said Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES ASTRA. “This court decision confirms the acquisition of APS by SES ASTRA. We will continue to grow APS as a neutral service provider for broadcasters and service suppliers.”

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Another step down the road to the 'closed shop' orbital location at 19.2E