EX-99.1
4
a05-7560_1ex99d1.htm
EX-99.1
Exhibit
99.1
Contacts:
The
DIRECTV Group
SkyTerra
Communications
Bob
Marsocci
Rob
Lewis
(310)
726-4656
(212)
730-7540
SkyTerra
Communications Completes Acquisition of 50 Percent of Hughes Network Systems
from The DIRECTV Group
EL SEGUNDO, CA and NEW YORK, NY, April 25, 2005
- The
DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTV) and SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (SKYT.OB;
OTC), an affiliate of Apollo Management, L.P., a New York-based private equity
firm, today announced the completion of transactions that resulted in SkyTerra
acquiring a 50 percent interest in a new entity, Hughes Network Systems LLC
(HNS LLC), that in turn had acquired substantially all of the remaining assets
of Hughes Network Systems, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The DIRECTV Group.
HNS
LLC is primarily focused on providing broadband satellite networks and services
to enterprises via its core enterprise Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)
business. Its other businesses include Consumer DIRECWAY, Mobile Satellite and
Carrier Networks, as well as the portion of the Spaceway satellite platform
that is under development and that will not be used in DIRECTV's direct-to-home
satellite video broadcasting business. Approximately 1,360 HNS employees
transferred to HNS LLC. In connection with the transactions, SkyTerra will be responsible
for day-to-day management of HNS LLC.
The
DIRECTV Group received approximately $246 million in cash at closing, and 300,000
shares of SkyTerra common stock, and will retain a 50 percent interest in HNS
LLC.
The
DIRECTV Group, Inc. is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel
television entertainment, broadband satellite networks and services. The
DIRECTV Group is 34 percent owned by Fox Entertainment Group, which is
approximately 82 percent owned by News Corporation.
###

EX - 99 . 1 4 a05 - 7560 _ 1ex99d1 . htm EX - 99 . 1 Exhibit 99 . 1 Contacts : The DIRECTV Group SkyTerra Communications Bob Marsocci Rob Lewis ( 310 ) 726 - 4656 ( 212 ) 730 - 7540 SkyTerra Communications Completes Acquisition of 50 Percent of Hughes Network Systems from The DIRECTV Group EL SEGUNDO , CA and NEW YORK , NY , April 25 , 2005 - The DIRECTV Group , Inc . ( NYSE : DTV ) and SkyTerra Communications , Inc . ( SKYT . OB ; OTC ) , an affiliate of Apollo Management , L . P . , a New York - based private equity firm , today announced the completion of transactions that resulted in SkyTerra acquiring a 50 percent interest in a new entity , Hughes Network Systems LLC ( HNS LLC ) , that in turn had acquired substantially all of the remaining assets of Hughes Network Systems , Inc . , a wholly - owned subsidiary of The DIRECTV Group . HNS LLC is primarily focused on providing broadband satellite networks and services to enterprises via its core enterprise Very Small Aperture Terminal ( VSAT ) business . Its other businesses include Consumer DIRECWAY , Mobile Satellite and Carrier Networks , as well as the portion of the Spaceway satellite platform that is under development and that will not be used in DIRECTV 's direct - to - home satellite video broadcasting business . Approximately 1,360 HNS employees transferred to HNS LLC . In connection with the transactions , SkyTerra will be responsible for day - to - day management of HNS LLC . The DIRECTV Group received approximately $ 246 million in cash at closing , and 300,000 shares of SkyTerra common stock , and will retain a 50 percent interest in HNS LLC . The DIRECTV Group , Inc . is a world - leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment , broadband satellite networks and services . The DIRECTV Group is 34 percent owned by Fox Entertainment Group , which is approximately 82 percent owned by News Corporation . # # #
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