Eutelsat Distinguished as Global Operator of the Year by Industry Experts at World Satellite Business Week

PARIS, September 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) has been distinguished with the award 'Global Operator of the Year' at this week's annual World Satellite Business Week conference in Paris.

Established as one of the highest accolades in the satellite industry, the 'Awards for Excellence in Satellite Communications' recognise satellite operators and their leaders who, through their vision, innovation or performance, have had a major impact on the satellite industry in the past year.

Winners are selected by a jury of experts from Euroconsult, Space News and Satellite Finance on the basis of performance analysis of market players. For the 'Global Operator of the Year' award they include average annual revenue growth from 2008 to 2011, EBITDA, EBITDA margin and net margin for the year 2011. Qualitative assessments include innovation, strategic decisions and their impact.

Accepting the award, Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat Communications CEO, said: "It is an immense pleasure to receive an accolade that underscores our continued strong performance and our steadfast commitment to delivering growth, profitability and visibility. Our efforts are concentrated on increasing our exposure to the fastest-growing applications in the satellite sector, led by broadcast and broadband services, and on strengthening our presence in the most dynamic regions. With seven well-defined satellites to add to our fleet, starting from later this year, we are doing everything in our power to pursue lasting and profitable growth. Most importantly, I dedicate this award to our customers,who we serve with passion, and to our teams who made this happen."

About Eutelsat Communications

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A. With capacity commercialised on 28 satellites that provide coverage across Europe, as well as the Middle East, Africa and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators. As of 30 June 2012 Eutelsat's satellites were broadcasting more than 4,250 television channels to over 200 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Group's satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates high-speed Internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve consumers, enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ just over 750 commercial, technical and operational professionals. This culturally diverse staff comprises employees from 30 countries. http://www.eutelsat.com

SOURCE Eutelsat Communications