Inmarsat Considering an IPO After Satellites Launch

摘要

Inmarsat, operator of a global satellite system for mobile communications, is considering an initial public offering of stock but likely will wait until at least one of its next-generation satellites is operational before making a final decision, Inmarsat Chief Executive Officer Andy Sukawaty said. The first of the Inmarsat-4 series of satellites is scheduled for launch March 10 aboard an International Launch Services Atlas 5 rocket and should be operational by July. The second Inmarsat-4 is set for launch aboard a Sea Launch LLC rocket around September. The third and final Inmarsat-4 under construction at prime contractor EADS Astrium here is being kept as a ground spare, but London-based Inmarsat is likely to sign a contract later this year for a 2006 launch of the satellite.