Thales signed a binding agreement to acquire JetBlue’s subsidiary in-flight entertainment provider, LiveTV, for $400 million.
The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval, and Thales is expecting to complete the purchase by mid-2014. The Melbourne, Fla.-based LiveTV provides in-flight entertainment and connectivity products covering Ka-Band Broadband, Multi Band Broadband(Ku, Ka and L-Band), LiveAero and Regional Satellite Radio.
"LiveTV is a great strategic fit for Thales," said Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman and CEO Thales. "It will improve our positioning in the high growth business of in-flight entertainment and connectivity. Our aim is to offer the highest performance, and most competitive and flexible connectivity solution to airlines regardless of their fleet-size, aircraft type or route structure.”