The number of global systems vendors – especially those serving the US market – has dropped another notch with the acquisition of MediaSpan Group by Newscycle Solutions.

The innovative former Harris/Baseview business brings browser-based softare expertise to the group formed from acquisitions of DTI, Saxotech and Atex Inc. About 75 employees will join Newscycle.

The MediaSpan deal – announced this morning – brings some 3000 newspaper and broadcast sites to Newscycle (making a claimed 8000) and comes a surprise to some parts of the market.

With a 40-year history which extends to the early Harris composition systems of the 1960s – it produced the first newspaper system in 1968 – MediaSpan had cultured broadcast, government and religious markets in addition to its core news publishing base. Clients include the Australian Radio Network and Radio Network New Zealand, as well as media majors such as BH Media Group, Black Press, Civitas Media, GateHouse Media and community newspapers.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, it has offices in Florida, Canada and London – from which it serves a customer base in India – and these are included in the deal. President Dan Roberts was previously with Harris Publishing Systems and helped orchestrate the purchase of Harris and Baseview in 2001. Other key members are vice presidents Ken Freedman (sales and marketing), Tom Henry (product development) and Carla Green (customer services).

For Newscycle Solutions, it brings a suite of cloud-based publishing software which works “out-of-the box” – an asset for small and medium sites wanting to avoid deplpyment costs – and a reputation for looking after its clients. Newscycle chief executive Preston McKenzie says the acquisition adds the “technology and talent” to succeed with local media companies which are a key part of its growth strategy.

“By adding browser-based turnkey products, we can address the demand for out-of-the-box solutions across the newsroom, advertising and circulation departments,” he says.

Roberts – who becomes Newscycle’s business strategy vice president – says the company has the strongest commitment to the news media industry: “Together we have the resources, vision and experience to help our customers meet the challenges of competing in a digital world,” he says.

The deal brings a further circulation product to Newscycle, which – given sales successes – may end up being its preferred offering.