Iridium Communications announced on May 15 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Aireon LLC, which operates the only space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) air traffic surveillance system. The transaction was made public in a press release available online.
The acquisition is significant as Iridium Communications is recognized for its global voice, data, and positioning, navigation, and timing satellite services. The addition of Aireon’s technology is expected to further enhance Iridium’s offerings in the field of satellite-based air traffic surveillance.
Cooley LLP advised Iridium Communications on this transaction. The lead advisory team included Joshua Holleman, Robert McDowell, Meredith Klionsky, Cassidy Schuma, and Dennis Craig. Additional support was provided by Scott Deutsch, Cristina DeBiase, Jason Shefferman, Stella Sarma, Nicollette Kirby, Sara Derhab, Patrick Sharma, Michael Bergmann, Sarah Oliai and Megan Browdie.
Cooley previously advised Iridium Communications during its 2025 acquisition of Satelles. According to the press release content provided by Cooley LLP: “Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation.” The firm employs nearly 1,400 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States, Asia and Europe.
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