Hughes Aircraft completed its acquisition of Western...

Hughes Aircraft completed its acquisition of Western Union’s Westar satellite system, which includes three orbiting satellites and a fourth satellite awaiting launch. Hughes did not disclose terms of the deal, but analysts have valued the deal at $100 to $200 million. Stephen J. Petrucci, president of Hughes Communications, said the Westar system will ease a shortage of capacity in Hughes’ Galaxy satellite fleet and provide a backup for commercial customers.