AGS and Verestar Link GSA Federal Supply Service --FSS-- Schedules to Offer U.S. Government Broader, Deeper Network Solutions.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

WASHINGTON & PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 2004

Efficiencies of Collaboration Encouraged by GSA 

AMERICOM Government Services, Inc. (AGS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES AMERICOM, and Verestar Inc., announced today the formal linking of their complementary General Services Administration (GSA) federal supply service schedules forming a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), thereby expanding and deepening the satellite-based communications solutions available to all civilian and defense agencies.

"By teaming on our GSA schedules, AGS and Verestar are better able to offer government agencies end-to-end network solutions, from satellite bandwidth to secured teleport transmission uplinks, from network engineering services to unique custom network solutions and standardized, flexible broadband network services," said David Helfgott, President and CEO of AGS.

Ray O'Brien, President of Verestar, said, "Through GSA's Multiple Award Schedule, Verestar and AGS will now collaborate in addressing the government's growing need for off-the-shelf, commercial technology and communications solutions."

One of the primary procurement vehicles across many government agencies, the GSA FSS schedule provides agencies with a cost-effective and convenient process for securing technology services from companies with proven track records of performance. AGS was awarded its GSA Schedule (GS 35F 0301N) in March 2003, and Verestar (GS 35F 0036N) in October 2002.

The MAS will provide many benefits to the government such as volume discount pricing, based upon prices that are determined as fair and reasonable, "most favored customer" pricing, a direct procurement relationship between industry and the government, and shorter lead times on sourcing.

This joint effort follows SES AMERICOM's announcement on April 2, 2004 that it has received U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval to acquire the assets of Verestar for a total cash consideration of $18.5 million. The Fairfax, VA-based company focuses on managed solutions for satellite communications in government, broadcast, enterprise, and international services markets with strategically located teleport facilities in the U.S. and abroad. SES AMERICOM is seeking appropriate government authorizations, including FCC approval to transfer Verestar's teleport communications licenses. Upon receipt of these FCC authorizations, expected to take a number of months, the transaction will be finalized.

About AMERICOM Government Services

AMERICOM Government Services, Inc. (AGS) is an independent corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of SES AMERICOM, formed when SES GLOBAL (Euronext Paris, Luxembourg and Frankfurt stock exchanges: SESG) acquired GE AMERICOM. Leveraging a 30-year heritage of experience in the government satcom market, AGS offers comprehensive satellite-based communications solutions that enable federal agencies to extend secure broadband communications to fulfill both routine and mission-critical applications. With access to a fleet of 40 satellites in the SES GLOBAL group fleet, AGS' full range of satellite services and end-to-end solutions allows for secure, reliable communications and comprehensive global coverage. AGS' reputation for operational excellence and highly reliable network solutions have been validated by long-term relationships with diverse government customers including, DoD, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Department of Commerce/NOAA, NASA, and other civilian and defense-related agencies. For more information, visit www.americom-gs.com or stop by booth 1007 at the AFCEA TechNet show, May 11-12.