Telespazio, a Finmeccanica/Thales company, has acquired full control of Aurensis SL, a Spanish company specialised in technologies for territorial applications and Earth Observation services, aerial and satellite. The signing of the contract was held in Madrid in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Spain, Pasquale Terracciano. With this acquisition, Telespazio continues its international expansion and consolidation of its position as European leader in the Earth observation sector.

Aurensis, together with German company GAF AG, acquired in 2003, represents for mTelespazio a further step towards the development of an international distribution network of data and products for environmental monitoring and territorial control in a highly competitive market. For the Finmeccanica group, this is the first direct investment in Spain, a fastgrowing market where the government is pursuing a policy of strong support for space activities.

Aurensis manufactures, processes and markets territorial information (cartography, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems / GIS), with offices in Barcelona (headquarters) and in Madrid. With around 150 employees and a turnover of EUR 8.4 million in 2007, the company boasts a portfolio of Spanish and international corporate and business clients.