THREE of Europe's largest publishers of online classifieds have joined forces to create a joint venture, FinnTech, which aims to create a European industry standard technology for the provision of online classifieds for regional newspapers.

The companies behind FinnTech are Finn.no, Fish4.co.uk and Associated New Media.

They are backed by some of Europe's largest newspaper publishers, offering market-leading online classified services in Norway and the UK.

Fish4.co.uk's shareholders are Newsquest Media Group the publishers of the Evening Advertiser, Wiltshire Times, Gazette & Herald and Salisbury Journal & Avon Advertiser series - Northcliffe Newspapers, Trinity Mirror and Guardian Media Group Regional Newspapers. FinnTech's first chief executive officer will be Robert Steen who joins FinnTech from Finn.no where he was international director.

"FinnTech is an industry first that sees the online arms of the UK and Scandinavia's regional newspaper groups pooling resources to create a system that can be used across Europe," he said.

"Anyone searching for a new job, home or car will benefit from a quicker and more accurate search service.

"Advertisers will be able to enhance their advertisements, providing greater control and flexibility, better targeting of potential customers, and in-depth management information."

For Wiltshire online classifieds, go to FISH4.