A firm based near Bristol, which has supplied weather sensors to airports, stadiums and offshore platforms for more than 25 years, has been acquired by an international innovator in measurement technology.

Biral, whose sensors measure everything from precipitation to visibility as well as lightning detection, has become part of German-owned Senseca in a move it described as expanding its capabilities and market reach.

The Portishead-based firm said the takeover marked a new chapter in its quarter-century-plus history, although it would continue to operate under its own brand for now.

As part of the transition, Biral managing director Paul Smith will step down, with the firm saying under his leadership it has become a trusted partner to clients in critical sectors such as aviation, renewable energy and transport infrastructure.

His commitment to innovation and excellence has been instrumental in Biral’s growth and success, it added.

Biral CFO Ben Lockwood will become its new CEO, bringing a wealth of financial and operational experience to the role.

Biral said Senseca shared its focus on high-precision measurement technologies and strongly aligned with its core mission of providing accurate and reliable data to critical sectors.

Senseca’s deep expertise in industrial and environmental sensor technology, along with its commitment to sustainability and innovation, also made it a “perfect fit” to support Biral’s growth and expansion.

Senseca has around 300 highly skilled employees at its state-of-the-art production sites in Germany and Italy.

Its measurement technology products are used by sectors ranging from renewable energy and agriculture to water management, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. They are also used in factories and smart cities.

Senseca CEO Christian Unterberger said: “Biral’s excellent reputation for visibility and current weather sensors, as well as its storm detection capabilities, will enhance Senseca’s global footprint in the renewable energy sector and significantly strengthen its environmental monitoring portfolio.”

Paul Smith said it has been an honor to lead Biral over the past few years.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and how we’ve become a company recognized for our precision and reliability,” he added.

“I am confident that under Senseca’s leadership, Biral will continue to thrive and innovate in ways that benefit both our customers and the industry at large.”

Ben Lockwood said joining Senseca provided the company with a unique opportunity to leverage its global expertise and resources to further strengthen Biral’s offering.

“I look forward to continuing our legacy of innovation and delivering even more value to our customers,” he added.

Biral shareholders were advised by KPMG’s corporate finance team in Bristol, led by John Levis and Dan Bagnall, Dominic Davis and Tom Curnow of Bristol-headquartered law firm Burges Salmon, providing legal expertise. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.