Aker Solutions, the Norwegian group with a major presence in the north-east, has acquired specialist engineering company International Design Engineering and Services (I.D.E.A.S.) in a deal that gives it a foothold in Glasgow.

Aker employs around 3000 in Scotland, and is mid-way through a 500-job expansion programme covering both its drilling technology businesses in Dyce, the division that maintains and upgrades North Sea oil platforms, and the company's Portlethen-based well intervention business. It has not disclosed the value of the deal.

I.D.E.A.S. founded 28 years ago and based at Kinning Park, has developed software and technology that dramatically improves integrity and lifetime analysis for oil and gas assets.

The analysis can be applied in all phases of the development of an installation, from design through construction, operation and life extension.

Matt Corbin, managing director of Aker Solutions subsea business in Aberdeen, said: "Asset integrity management is an increasingly important market for Aker Solutions and I.D.E.A.S. provide some excellent technology and know-how which will ideally complement our existing strengths in the market."

He added: "What's more, it is fantastic that we will now have a formal Aker Solutions presence in Glasgow where we will be able to access an excellent talent pool."