SKW Schwarz advises Airbus on the sale of the Earth observation platform UP42 to the Saudi Arabian space services provider National Space Company

Munich, 14. January 2025

SKW Schwarz has advised Airbus Defense and Space GmbH (Airbus) on the sale of UP42 GmbH (Up42), a next-generation earth observation platform, to National Space Company (NSC), Saudi Arabia's leading commercial space services provider.

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Airbus founded UP42 in Berlin in 2019. The company is considered a pioneer in facilitating access to satellite and aerial image data sources, as well as the use of geospatial data via the cloud. 

Established in 2024, NSC is a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company's mission is to meet Saudi Arabia's growing demand for EO and geospatial solutions in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. 

UP42 is to be integrated into NSC’s growing geospatial division.

Advisors to Airbus: 
SKW Schwarz, Munich: Dr Martin Böttger (lead), Stephan Neubauer (Hamburg; both Corporate/M&A,), Associate: Christine Wärl (Corporate/M&A)