The Luxembourg operator SES GLOBAL - SOCIETE EUROPEENNE DE SATELLITES (turnover of EUR 1.41 billion forecasted for 2000) confirmed that it would buy GE AMERICOM, the satellite activities of the American GENERAL ELECTRIC, for USD 5 billion in order to create "the world largest provider of satellite services". The operation will be financed to the value of USD 2.7 billion paid in cash and with the issuing 15.4 million shares in SES GLOBAL. Following the operation, GE CAPITAL, financial arm of GE, will hold 21.5% of the capital and 20.1% of the voting rights. See yesterday's EI.