Topflight, one of the State's main ski travel companies, has purchased the Cork-based ski operator Funski. Funski is the second largest Irish-owned ski company and operates programmes to Andorra, Italy and the US. The purchase price was not disclosed. Funski was owned by Mr Don Cullinane and his father Mr Charles Cullinane. They will now leave the company to concentrate on their other travel businesses. They are involved in tourism and hotels, and run travel agencies in Dublin and Cork.

Topflight employs 30 people. Its managing director, Mr Tony Collins, said the purchase would boost its presence in the ski market.

"We are delighted with this development which will give us extra products and opportunities in our main markets," he said. Topflight is a wholly Irish-owned tour operator.