To strengthen our leadership in AI-driven weather forecasting and improve our offerings in the insurance, finance, and energy sectors, Vaisala has acquired the weather-related assets of Maxar Intelligence’s WeatherDesk business. As of March 24th, WeatherDesk is fully integrated into Vaisala Xweather.
Backed by unrivaled expertise in AI-driven weather forecasting, WeatherDesk provides rapid access to reliable global weather forecasts and observations. It serves customers involved in commodity and energy trading, as well as energy demand planning.
The acquisition strengthens Xweather's position as a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence and aligns with the company's strategy to expand in energy transition and build recurring revenue in data. Together with the recently acquired Speedwell Climate Ltd, the deal further enhances Vaisala Xweather’s position as a weather intelligence partner for the insurance and finance segment.
“Weather is a key parameter for commodity and energy trading, as well as energy demand planning. Together with the WeatherDesk team, we can further bring weather and climate insights that help customers forecast energy demand and supply, optimize trading strategies, and manage risks associated with extreme weather events. I want to warmly welcome the team to Vaisala,” says Samuli Hänninen, Head of Vaisala Xweather.
The purchase price is USD 70 million, and the acquisition will be financed mainly with interest-bearing debt. In 2023, the net sales of Maxar’s WeatherDesk business amounted to USD 13 million, with strong profitability. The net sales are recurring and are expected to grow double-digit, which is in line with Xweather’s growth. Due to WeatherDesk’s very asset-light business model, the assets identified in connection with the acquisition relate mainly to technology-based and customer-related intangible assets in addition to goodwill. Following the acquisition, 34 professionals, located in the US, will transfer to Vaisala.
Existing WeatherDesk customers
New websites can be found at weatherdesk.xweather.com (WeatherDesk) and climatedesk.xweather.com (ClimateDesk).
You will continue to receive the same industry-leading weather and climate intelligence insights from us, using your existing user credentials on the WeatherDesk login page (weatherdesk.xweather.com). If you are subscribed to WeatherDesk email reports and updates you will continue to receive those as usual.
For any questions, please reach out to weatherdesk@vaisala.com or climatedesk@vaisala.com.