Australian Internet search firm LookSmart has signed an agreement with United States based electronic publishing group Versaware Inc for the use of content on LookSmart's website.

LookSmart's Australian site will be able to offer users local reference content especially developed by Versaware's for the Australian on-line market.

It would include international reference material from Funk & Wagnalls's on-line encyclopedia as well as Australian content such as the Macquarie Concise Dictionary and the Australian Factbook, LookSmart said.

"Versaware's specialisation in the production of localised reference material is very synergistic with the LookSmart approach," LookSmart Australia chief executive officer Tim Pethick said.

"LookSmart has earned its reputation as a leader in search infrastructure by providing unique search and directory services for each market which accurately reflects the culture of local Internet users," he said.

LookSmart added that the partnership with Versaware would be the start of a world wide rollout of similar content through LookSmart's recently announced joint venture with telecommunications powerhouse, British Telecom.

"The BT LookSmart joint venture will expand on LookSmart's existing sites in Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore and New Zealand and result in additonal European and Asian sites," the company said.

The company, which debuted on the Australian Stock Exchange last month also said it hoped to grow its Australian base through a national advertising and marketing campaign.

Versaware Inc

Copyright © 2009 CBS Interactive, a CBS Company. All Rights Reserved.
ZDNET is a registered service mark of CBS Interactive. ZDNET Logo is a service mark of CBS Interactive.