Hughes Communications, Inc. (HUGHES), a frontrunner in broadband satellite network solutions and a significant provider of broadband managed network services, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Helius, Inc., a Canopy Ventures portfolio company. This strategic move, set to finalize by February 4, 2008, signifies Hughes’ ambition to broaden its scope in the digital media solutions sector. Post-acquisition, Helius will integrate into Hughes as a wholly owned subsidiary, aligning closely with Hughes’ North America and International enterprise operations.
The acquisition is a melding of complementary strengths. Helius brings to the table its expertise in business IPTV solutions, renowned for enhancing corporate communications, training, and digital signage. Hughes, on the other hand, is well-established in broadband networking, boasting a vast customer base across government, retail, hospitality, and petroleum sectors. The incorporation of Helius’ IP video technologies into Hughes’ offerings is expected to significantly upgrade the HughesNet® service, particularly in delivering cost-effective digital media applications thanks to advancements in broadband and video compression technologies.
Pradman Kaul, President and CEO of Hughes, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “As a premier managed network services provider to enterprise and SMB customers, Hughes saw a natural fit in teaming with Helius to better address the market for digital media solutions.” He further highlighted the acquisition’s potential to uniquely position Hughes as a comprehensive, cost-effective service provider in the digital media realm.
Echoing the sentiment, Mike Tippets, President and CEO of Helius, emphasized the synergistic potential of this partnership to offer end-to-end digital media solutions that are both accessible and user-friendly for businesses globally.
About Helius, Inc.: Since its establishment in 1995, Helius has carved a niche in business-class data broadcasting solutions, focusing on digital signage, training, distance learning, and content distribution network solutions. Helius prides itself on a nearly decade-long dedication to data broadcasting and IP-over-satellite markets, backed by The Canopy Group.
About Hughes Communications, Inc.: Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH) stands as the parent company of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, marking its territory as the global leader in satellite broadband networks and services for an array of clients including enterprises, governments, and consumers. HughesNet represents the brand’s comprehensive broadband solutions, leveraging the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard. With a track record of shipping over 1.2 million systems across more than 100 countries, Hughes is headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, USA, and maintains a global presence through its sales and support offices worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.hughes.com.
