Dutch information technology group Getronics NV said yesterday it had agreed to buy US group Wang Global in a deal worth $1.8 billion (€1.7 billion) that will propel Getronics into the top flight of computer service providers.

Getronics will buy all 46 million outstanding shares in Wang, which is nearly twice its size in sales terms, for $29.25 each, as well as warrants, options and other securities related to the US computer services firm.

Wang's board has recommended that its shareholders accept the offer, which represents a 15 per cent premium to the closing price of Wang's shares on Nasdaq on Monday.

Wang employs 90 people in the Republic, in operations in Dublin and Limerick. At one stage, it employed about 1,000 in a Limerick manufacturing plant.

Management was informed of the development yesterday morning, but it is not yet known if purchase would mean changes for the Irish operations.