MDA Space Ltd. (TSX:MDA) and SatixFy Communications Ltd. (NYSE American: SATX) have entered into a definitive agreement under which MDA Space will acquire all outstanding shares of SatixFy in an all-cash transaction for $2.10 per share—this transaction, which represents an equity value for SatixFy of approximately $193 million (approximately C$278 million), is expected to further enhance the end-to-end satellite systems offering of MDA Space as demand for next generation digital satellite communications continues to accelerate.
Founded in 2012, SatixFy is a supplier of cutting-edge semiconductors and solutions for the space and the satellite communications value chain. SatixFy’s technology enables satellite broadband and direct-to-device constellations with its radiation hardened digital beamformers enabling them to generate hundreds of beams, designed to significantly improve satellite performance and decrease cost.
SatixFy has invested approximately $270 million in research and development to date, and once closed, the transaction will bring to MDA Space a differentiated technology portfolio including more than 60 patents issued and pending, as well as a talented and largely specialized technical employee base of approximately 165 people globally. In addition to chips to support satellite payload solutions and satellite communications, the SatixFy portfolio includes gateways, multi-beam digital antennas, user terminals and modems.
The market for software-defined digital satellite constellations is rapidly expanding, driven by increased demand for satellite-based broadband, direct-to-device connectivity and IoT. Market research firm NSR forecasts that more than 89% of all communications satellites built in the ten years between 2023 and 2032 will include some level of software-defined technology.
The acquisition of SatixFy is expected to enhance MDA Space’s capabilities in this growing digital satellite communications market by:
- Adding complementary technology and a rich IP portfolio to enable end-to-end satellite communications solutions and expand offerings by combining MDA Space technology and capabilities in digital LEO and MEO satellites (MDA AURORA™) with SatixFy’s space grade chips and communications systems
- Vertically integrating a key and differentiated technology provider for MDA Space Satellite Systems business
- Adding a highly specialized and complementary technical team to MDA Space
- Aligning the technology roadmap for MDA Space next generation software-defined digital satellites to continue to meet evolving needs of customers
With this acquisition MDA Space is taking a logical next step to further reinforce our technical differentiation as the global market transitions from analog to digital satellite technology,” said Mike Greenley, Chief Executive Officer of MDA Space. “Similar to MDA Space, SatixFy is an innovation company at its core, and bringing these two highly skilled teams together adds complementary expertise and technology that will allow us to further enhance our value proposition for current and future customers by providing vertically integrated and differentiated digital satellite solutions.”
SatixFy has consistently aimed to revolutionize the market with digital chip-based solutions while establishing a world-leading space technology company. Joining MDA Space marks a significant milestone in that journey,” said Nir Barkan, Chief Executive Officer of SatixFy. “This transaction is a testament to the innovation and dedication of our employees over the past decade. It will provide the scale, resources, and stability needed to continue delivering groundbreaking solutions for our customers.”
