(RALEIGH) -- Software developer Red Hat made official on Friday what was admittedly the "worst kept secret," according to company CEO Jim Whitehurst. The global software provider will move its corporate headquarters from North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus to the Progress Energy building in downtown Raleigh.

Earlier this week Red Hat said it planned to add at least 1,000 jobs worldwide this year. As part of the move the company will invest $109 million in Wake County.

Whitehurst confirmed that regardless of whether the merger between Progress Energy and Duke Energy goes through, Red Hat will move into space that will be vacated by Progress Energy.  He said a lease agreement had already been signed.

State officials estimate the total economic impact of Red Hat's expansion at $1.5 billion.