23. October 2019

ARQIS has advised SkyFive GmbH on the acquisition of the core assets of the Air-to-Ground (A2G) business division from Nokia. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Nokia’s A2G technology is designed to provide broadband telecom connectivity for continental air travel and has significant technology and cost advantages over today’s satellite telecom solutions. The acquired assets make SkyFive the world’s first A2G communications specialist. SkyFive assumes responsibility for the end-to-end solution, which comprises avionics, telecommunications and IT systems. Nokia remains responsible for the sale and implementation of the backbone network – an integral part of the solution – to communications service providers based on its strong technology and worldwide delivery capabilities.

Thorsten Robrecht, CEO of SkyFive: “For us, this transaction constitutes a major step forward on our journey to provide true broadband connectivity services in the sky, and it serves as a springboard for global expansion.”

SkyFive GmbH was founded in 2019 by three leading NOKIA employees by way of a management buy-out in order to build a company dedicated to provide cutting edge Air-to-Ground (A2G) solutions and services. The company’s mission is to enable a breakthrough in the digitalization of air traffic and meet the growing need of airlines for connectivity with a powerful, future-proof and cost-effective solution based on 4G and 5G standards.

Advisors to SkyFive
ARQIS Rechtsanwälte (Düsseldorf/Munich): « Mauritz von Einem » (Lead; Corporate/M&A/Tax), Prof. Dr. Christoph von Einem (Corporate), Marcus Nothhelfer (IP & Commercial), Dr. Andrea Panzer-Heemeier, Dr. Stephanie Lenze (both Employment/Pensions), Christian Wegener (Tax), Dr. Christof Schneider (Corporate/M&A and Compliance), Elisabeth Falterer (Corporate); Berenike Gottwald (Legal Support Specialist)