EchoStar and MVS Comunicaciones are set to buy a controlling stake in Satélites Mexicanos (Satmex) for $267m.

Satmex, established in the 1980s as part of a government operation before becoming a commercial organisation, owns and operates three satellites and two satellite uplink facilities.

EchoStar president Dean Olmstead said the acquisition provided the firm with a footprint over Mexico and South America and enables it serve a growing global demand for satellite services.

“We look forward to leveraging our satellite operations and uplink expertise in North America to expand our fixed satellite services throughout the Americas, including the delivery of satellite internet to rural communities,” he said.

The transaction is expected to be complete early in the third quarter 2010.