Viridian, owned since 2006 by Bahrainiinvestment bank Arcapita, has outbid Centrica, its closest contender, accordingto local press reports.

The winner will emerge as one of the mostpowerful wind companies in Ireland, a wind market slated for huge growth in theyears ahead, especially in the event that a grand export deal with the UKmaterialises.

One sticking point is the relativelydisappointing bids that have come in.