National and regional news publisher Trinity Mirror (LSE: TNI) is buying Liverpool-based web design firm Rippleffect Studios for up to £5.8 million. The agency, which also has London and Manchester offices, has a long list of small and medium web clients from property, legal and entertainment sectors, but it’s its sports portfolio - including sites for Everton, Celtic, Fulham, West Ham, Southampton and Sunderland - which attracted Trinity Mirror.

CEO Sly Bailey: ”This acquisition brings together Trinity Mirror’s specialist sports publications and Rippleffect’s specialist sports web development under one roof enabling us to substantially grow our revenues in this important sector.” Could Trinity be looking to create dedicated sports news sites for individual clubs?

Release: Rippleffect is a market leader in the development and operation of sport, leisure and retail websites in the UK and will enable Trinity Mirror to rapidly build on its existing businesses in this area. The acquisition involves £3.2 million up-front plus a further £2.6 million over three years dependant on hitting targets. Trinity will add Rippleffect to its list of 53 online acquisitions and expects it to turn £3 million revenue within a year.

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