Vodafone's Ireland division has announced the acquisition of rival ISP and domestic fixed-line provider Perlico Communications.

The deal will see Vodafone pay around £57 million for Perlico, which will retain its separate brand identity and will operate services as a subsidiary of Vodafone.

The acquisition will see Vodafone inherit Perlico's broadband subscriber base of 25,000 customers.

Vodafone Ireland chief executive Charles Butterworth said: "Perlico represents a compelling strategic fit for Vodafone Ireland. The acquisition brings Vodafone a significant step closer towards our objective to provide a complete communications service to our customers - including mobile, fixed line voice, broadband and internet services.

"It will allow customers, of both Vodafone and Perlico, the opportunity to choose the communications mix that best suits them."

News of the deal follows Vodafone Ireland's announcement that it added 11,000 new customers for its mobile broadband service, bringing its total 3G broadband base to over 40,000 at the close of the quarter ended September 30th.