Integration of NSS strengthens SES’ industry leadership

SES GLOBAL, the world’s pre-eminent satellite operator (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of 100% of New Skies Satellites (NSS). SES GLOBAL has acquired New Skies for USD 22.52 per share, leading to an enterprise value of USD 1.15 billion.  The transaction was completed following satisfaction of the closing conditions, including obtaining the remaining US regulatory approvals on March 29, 2006.

Trading in New Skies’ shares on the New York Stock Exchange has been suspended as of close of trading on March 29, 2006. Holders of New Skies’ ordinary shares as of the close of trading on March 29, 2006 will be entitled to payment of US$ 22.52 per fully diluted share.

The integration of New Skies’ assets strengthens SES’ industry leadership position, notably by extending SES’ presence in emerging markets like India, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

New Skies Satellites is the world’s fifth largest satellite operator by in-orbit capacity. The company operates five spacecraft positioned at strategic orbital locations around the globe and plans to launch a sixth satellite before year-end 2006.

With the acquisition of New Skies, the satellite fleet of SES GLOBAL and its affiliates now comprises 43 spacecraft at 32 orbital locations, providing seamless state-of-the-art satellite coverage of the globe.

Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES GLOBAL, said: “We are delighted to have been able to conclude the transaction in such a short period since announcing it last December. With the 100% acquisition of New Skies Satellites and its strategic assets, SES GLOBAL firmly establishes the Group’s third satellite infrastructure pillar in markets where the Group had limited or no presence, alongside SES ASTRA in Europe and SES AMERICOM in North America. The acquisition will be accretive to earnings in 2006 and we will now focus on delivering maximum shareholder value from this acquisition and its integration into the Group.”

For further information please contact:
  
Mark Roberts                 
Investor Relations               
Tel. +352 710 725 490          
Mark.Roberts@ses-global.com     

Yves Feltes
Press Relations
Tel. +352 710 725 311
Yves.Feltes@ses-global.com

About SES GLOBAL

SES GLOBAL (Euronext Paris, Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) wholly owns three market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA in Europe, SES AMERICOM in the US and New Skies Satellites in the rest of the world. The Company also holds strategic participations in AsiaSat in Asia, Star One in Latin America and SES Sirius in Europe. Americom Government Services provides network solutions and bandwidth to the US government and its contractors. SES GLOBAL provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a fleet of 43 satellites across the globe.

Additional information on SES GLOBAL is available at: www.ses-global.com

Further information on New Skies Satellites is available at: www.newskies.com