The Daily Mail is planning an Australian invasion by launching a Down Under edition of the Mail Online, the company has announced.
Associated Newspapers has signed an agreement with Australian media company Mi9 to bring Mail Online to an antipodean audience.
Publisher Martin Clarke said: "The Daily Mail has been one of the world's most influential and trusted news brands since its launch in the United Kingdom more than a century ago. I'm excited that we can now offer Australians a local version with a strong focus on editorial integrity and campaigning journalism".
Clarke said the website will employ 50 staff based in Sydney and will reflect the type of content on the existing website.
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The www.dailymail.com.au url will go live early next year although it is understood that recruitment will start immediately.
Mi9 chief executive Mark Britt said the new venture would not be placed behind a paywall unlike some of the rival companies in the market.
He said: "While many of the industry's players have been cutting back their editorial resources, we're excited to be increasing our editorial footprint online."
The Guardian launched an Australian version of its website earlier this year.
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