Summary
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) has announced the sale of its 51% interest in its subsidiary, UAB NanoAvionics (“Nano”), to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS. This strategic divestiture is expected to generate approximately €27 million in cash consideration for AST LLC, a subsidiary of AST SpaceMobile, subject to customary adjustments. The sale, valued at a minimum enterprise value of €65.0 million for Nano, is a move to streamline the Company's focus on its core satellite-to-device communication technology. The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2022, pending regulatory approvals, including potential CFIUS review. This divestiture represents a significant step in AST SpaceMobile's capital allocation strategy, allowing it to concentrate resources on the development and commercialization of its satellite constellation and network. While Nano has been a subsidiary, its sale aims to unlock value and potentially provide a cash infusion to support AST SpaceMobile's ambitious growth plans in the burgeoning space-based mobile connectivity market. Investors will be keen to monitor the final closing of this deal and how the proceeds are deployed.
Key Highlights
- 1AST SpaceMobile is selling its 51% stake in subsidiary UAB NanoAvionics to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.
- 2The estimated cash consideration for AST LLC is approximately €27 million, with a total enterprise value for Nano set at no less than €65.0 million.
- 3The divestiture aims to allow AST SpaceMobile to focus on its core satellite-to-device technology and business.
- 4The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022.
- 5Completion of the sale is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals such as potential CFIUS review.
- 6A cooperation agreement between AST LLC and Nano is expected at closing for ongoing commercial arrangements.
- 7InMotion Holdings, LLC, owned by CEO Abel Avellan, will receive approximately €7.7 million related to an option to acquire Nano shares.