The national and local newspaper giant has bought the Liverpool-based business because of its expertise in the development and operation of sport, leisure and retail websites.
Sly Bailey, chief executive of Trinity Mirror, said: "This acquisition brings together Trinity Mirror's specialist sports publications and Rippleffect's specialist sports web development under one roof enabling us to substantially grow our revenues in this important sector."
Trinity has paid £3.2m up front and will pay up to £2.6m more depending on whether the business achieves set operating targets over the next three years.
Rippleffect is expected to generate £3m in revenues during Trinity's first full year of ownership.