One hundred jobs are to be created by one of the world's top business information providers, enterprise chiefs have announced.

D&B, formerly known as Dun & Bradstreet, which supplies commercial and corporate information, is to open a new operations centre in Dublin by the middle of next year.

Tanaiste Mary Coughlan said the investment showed the reputation of Ireland's business services sector.

"This highly sophisticated operation is in line with the Government's continuing efforts to position Ireland as the leading European location of choice for innovation-led and knowledge-based global investments," she said.

"D&B is a highly reputable company and its decision to locate in Dublin is a clear endorsement of Ireland's global reputation in the international business services sector."

The company is a world leading source of commercial information and insight on businesses. Its global database contains more than 140 million records in more than 200 countries.

The Dublin operation will be responsible for collecting and processing data on companies.

The investment was facilitated by the Government through investment and enterprise agency IDA Ireland.

Barry O'Leary, IDA chief executive, said: "D&B is the world leader in quality business information services and its reputation within the business community is second to none.

"Its decision to choose Ireland for this strategically important and knowledge-driven activity is very significant for Dublin and the country as a whole."