The deal combines Mining Communications Limited's stable of print publications led by the weekly Mining Journal with Aspermont's growing stable of print and online trade publications in the mining, petroleum, coal, construction, logistics and biotechnology sectors.

MCL also runs the internationally acclaimed Mines & Money conference series, which will complement the conferences organised by Aspermont's specialist business Resourceful Events.

Aspermont CEO Colm O'Brien said the acquisition provided a platform for the company to further develop its range of information services on an international scale.

"This is an enormously positive step for Aspermont in its strategy to ensure its long-term global position in the mining information sector," O'Brien said.

"The integration of these two companies will also provide an ideal infrastructure base for the launch of products within new sectors in the UK/European market."

O'Brien indicated the expanded company would also be looking at other industry sectors for future international growth.

Aspermont has been a significant minority shareholder of MCL since 2006, and held 39.3% equity in the London-based publisher prior to this week's agreement. The company will pay $A18.8 million in cash and scrip for the remaining interest.

The combined company will have more than 40 products and about 150 staff.

Aspermont recently announced a net profit after tax for the first half of 2007-08 of $A1.966 million, a growth of 44.8% on the back of a 24% rise in revenue from its print, online and conference businesses.