Joint Venture |
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2023 | |
| Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |
| Joint Venture |
Note Q – Joint Venture
The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Space NV, participates in a joint venture operation with SES Techcom S.A. (“Techcom”) for the purpose of performing M&O Services for ESA, among others. Pursuant to a shareholders agreement dated June 28, 2007, this joint venture was created under the form of two companies: RSS and ROS, both of which are organized under Belgian law. Total authorized share capital for RSS and ROS was €250 thousand. The Company has an ownership interest in RSS and ROS of 48% and 52%, respectively, while Techcom has ownership interests in RSS and ROS of 52% and 48%, respectively. Voting rights, board representation and distribution of residual returns are proportionate to these equity interests.
M&O Services provided under the joint venture include development, operation and maintenance of satellite communication systems and ground facilities as well as in-orbit testing and educational support services on delivered infrastructure. These services are jointly performed with ROS serving as a subcontractor to RSS. Pursuant to an agreement dated April 1, 2022 (the “Transfer Agreement”), all
M&O activities were transferred from ROS to RSS, including personnel, and the subcontractor relationship between ROS and RSS was terminated on the same date. The Company exhibits significant influence over the joint venture operations and receives a management fee in exchange for administrative services.
The acquisition of Space NV by the Company did not result in any changes to the joint venture or ownership interests in the underlying legal entities. The joint venture automatically terminates on the earlier of: (i) the expiration of the M&O Service agreement with ESA, unless other business is conducted by either company at the time of expiration, (ii) complete withdrawal of ownership interests held by Space NV or Techcom, or (iii) unanimous consent by the shareholders that both RSS and ROS are dissolved.
Both RSS and ROS are accounted for under the VIE model due to insufficient equity investment at risk to finance operations without subordinated financial support. Additional information with regard to these entities is provided below.
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity
ROS was formed with an initial issued share capital of €0.1 million representing 1,000 shares of €100 par value each. The shares were fully paid upon incorporation with Space NV and Techcom owning 52% and 48%, respectively. ROS’s board of directors is composed of five members elected for renewable terms of 2 years. As previously noted, board representation under the joint venture is proportionate to equity ownership with Space NV holding a majority as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
The Company evaluated its interests in the joint venture and determined that Space NV had a variable interest in ROS as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Due to their power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, Space NV was determined to be the primary beneficiary and, therefore, consolidated ROS as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Total assets and total liabilities for ROS as of September 30, 2023 were $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. Net income from ROS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was de minimis for disclosure.
Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entity
RSS was also formed with an initial issued share capital of €0.1 million representing 1,000 shares of €100 par value each. The shares were fully paid upon incorporation with Techcom and Space NV owning 52% and 48%, respectively. RSS’s board of directors is composed of five members elected for renewable terms of 2 years. As previously noted, board representation under the joint venture is proportionate to equity ownership with Techcom holding a majority as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
The Company determined that Space NV was not the primary beneficiary of RSS due to Techcom having the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance. As a result of having ownership greater than 20% but less than 50% and holding two of five board seats, Space NV has the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity. Accordingly, RSS is accounted for as an equity method investment.
The Company recognized a loss from RSS of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and nominal income from RSS during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, which is included in other (income) expense, net on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The carrying value of the equity method investment was $3.2 million and $3.3 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
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