Senseca sees sunny skies ahead after weather deal

Thunderstorm detecting group Bristol Industrial & Research Associates (Biral) has been acquired by German firm Senseca, a global provider of measurement technology and environmental monitoring solutions.

Biral designs, manufactures and distributes meteorological sensors for companies in the aviation, offshore platform and wind energy sectors. These include Thunderstorm Detectors capable of detecting all forms of lightning including cloud to cloud, intra-cloud and cloud to ground as well as other weather sensors measuring fog and rain.

Senseca develops and manufactures industrial sensors, industrial electronics and control technology such as light, temperature and weather sensors. It also supplies noise sensors for roads, railways and wind turbines.

It believes the acquisition of Biral strengthens its portfolio and supports its strategic focus of addressing global megatrends like advanced weather monitoring and the transition to renewable energy.

Senseca has acquired the full shareholding of Biral, who will gradually be integrated into the Senseca operations whilst maintaining its own branding for the time being.

As part of the transition, Biral’s chief executive officer Paul Smith will retire, handing over to Finance Director Ben Lockwood, who will become Biral's new Managing Director.

“Biral's highly specialised focus on visibility and present weather sensors, as well as thunderstorm detection, fits perfectly with our strategy of creating a very focused and comprehensive portfolio of environmental sensor technologies,” said chief executive officer of Senseca, Christian Unterberger. “Biral's innovative solutions will enable us to address the growing demand for precision weather monitoring across multiple sectors, from renewable energy to aviation, marine, infrastructure and road safety."

Lockwood said Biral would benefit from Senseca’s large global network, with offices in Germany and Italy, and resources. “With this acquisition, we solidify our leadership in environmental measurement solutions, ensuring continued innovation and support for key industries driven by the need for real-time, accurate environmental data," he said.

The shareholders of Biral were advised by KPMG Corporate Finance and Burges Salmon.

Find out more about the UK's growing appeal to overseas buyers

Share this article

Latest Technology Businesses for Sale

View more businesses for sale