Gilat Satellite Networks, a global player in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, has announced that it has successfully closed the acquisition of Stellar Blu Solutions LLC (“Stellar Blu”), a US-based provider of next-generation SATCOM terminal solutions.
Gilat expects its annual revenues from Stellar Blu to range between US$120 and $150 million in 2025, based on Stellar Blu’s order backlog. In addition, the acquisition is expected to be accretive on non-GAAP results for 2025. Furthermore, Gilat estimates that once Stellar Blu reaches its target manufacturing capacity, which it expects will occur during the second half of 2025, Stellar Blu’s EBITDA margin will exceed 10%.
“This acquisition is a pivotal step in our strategy to expand Gilat’s presence in the growing in-flight connectivity (IFC) market,” said Adi Sfadia, CEO of Gilat. “We expect Stellar Blu’s cutting-edge technologies, combined with Gilat’s advanced IFC solutions, to position us as a market leader for both commercial and business aviation, as well as adjacent high-end mobility markets that are ideal for Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) applications.”
Sfadia continued, “With the increasing demand for free, seamless, high-quality in-flight wi-fi and Stellar Blu’s pioneering expertise in multi-orbit LEO and GEO IFC solutions, this acquisition enhances Gilat’s ability to meet the most demanding service level agreements in the industry, opening up new growth opportunities in aviation and beyond.”
“We expect to ship hundreds of Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder terminals during the upcoming quarters,” he added.
The acquisition’s consideration at closing was US$98 million in cash, as adjusted. Although Stellar Blu had more than US$115 million in Net Cash at the end of 2024, the company used a new secured credit line of $100 million from HSBC Bank USA and Bank Hapoalim to fund $60 million of the consideration paid at closing.
The remaining $40 million, from the secured credit line, along with the company’s resources, is expected to be called upon and cover potential earn-out payments. The three-year loan will bear interest at a rate of SOFR plus 2.6% to 3.35%.
Gilat believes that funding this acquisition through a combination of Stellar Blu’s resources and a secured credit line will provide it with additional flexibility given the opportunities in the market. The consideration payment in connection with the acquisition may increase by up to an additional $147 million in cash, conditional upon the acquired business achieving operational and strategic business milestones during the first two years following the signing of the agreement.
