Publishing group Trinity Mirror has acquired email and mobile communications firm Communicator Corporation for £8m.

The publisher has bought the firm as part of its plans to build a network of digital marketing services businesses, after acquiring digital marketing agency Rippleffect in 2008.

Sly Bailey, CEO of Trinity Mirror, said, “Increasingly we’re seeing that, in addition to print and website advertising, clients want help in areas such as website design, search engine optimisation, e-mail marketing, social media and web analytics.”

“Personalisation and targeted content are increasingly sought by marketers in a multi-channel world and Communicator Corp is recognised in the industry for its ability to meet this demand,” she added.

Communicator Corporation MD Chris Wilds will be retained in the business but no further detail was given as to how the business will operate under its new owner or how the rest of the Sunderland-based staff will be affected.

Publisher Hearst Corporation has also made similar moves to expand its business to digital marketing and media after acquiring digital agency iCrossing in June 2010 (nma.co.uk 3 June 2010).

Speaking at the time, Frank A Bennack, vice-chairman and CEO of Hearst Corporation said, “Search and online marketing expertise will be an important asset for us as we continue to look for new ways to reach key audiences through digital marketing for our brands and our clients.”