A LEADING European weather forecasting company has acquired Irish meteorological company Nowcasting International.

MeteoGroup, a Dutch company now owned by the Press Association (PA) in Britain, confirmed the takeover at the weekend for an undisclosed sum.

Nowcasting International, founded in Co Clare in 1999, has built up a global customer base for its offshore weather forecasting, with markets extending from the North Sea to southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Main customers are in the oil and gas industry, marine construction, national coast guards, navies, ports and harbours, and ferry and fast ferry operators. It has also developed Nowcasting Pro, described as a “cutting-edge product for delivering forecast information”.

The Irish company employs 16 people. Its offshoot, Askmoby. com, will remain as a separate entity and may increase its own workforce by up to 10 people, Nowcasting chief executive Dr Mark White said.

MeteoGroup was founded in 1986 and employs 250 people worldwide. Its meteorologists provide forecasts, support, monitoring and consultancy services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It has offices in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Britain and the US.

Dr White said Ireland’s corporation tax rate was perceived as an advantage by the new owner, along with the skill sets and west coast working environment.

Nowcasting International would remain at its base in Ennis, Co Clare, he said.

The new Irish acquisition will create MeteoGroup Offshore, a dedicated division supplying “market-leading meteorological and oceanographic products and services to the offshore industry”, according to the companies.