MetLife said to be considering expansion in Ireland

(Bloomberg) — MetLife Inc., is close to finalizing a decision to expand its operations in Ireland, according to a person familiar with the matter.

New York-based MetLife may announce its plan to grow its Irish presence within the next month, said the person, who asked not to be named as no final decision has been taken yet. A MetLife spokeswoman declined to comment.

MetLife employed close to 300 people at its European hub in Dublin as of February 2015. At that time, MetLife Chief Executive Officer Steven Kandarian said he favored Ireland as a location due its “strong regulatory environment” and “talented workforce.”

Consideration of an Irish expansion was in train before the U.K. voted to exit the European Union, the person said.

MetLife considered adding as many as 400 jobs in Galway, the Connacht Tribune reported earlier this year.