We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of the system ESO 296
-IG11, which is composed of two galaxies, as well as observations of a smal
l galaxy 1.'3 distant. Colors through the entire system show little variati
on and reflect the presence of about the same young stellar composition. Th
e quite blue colors of the observed regions in both galaxies of the system
indicate star formation activity, and the distribution of the regions throu
gh the bodies of the galaxies suggests that a quite generalized starburst h
as taken place. The spectra of these regions are characteristic of H II reg
ions of comparatively high excitation; their oxygen and nitrogen abundances
are low, and their N(N)/N(O) ratios are comparable to those of the Magella
nic Clouds and late spiral galaxies. The low abundances of the regions woul
d be consistent with the ages derived for the bursts of star formation in t
heir interiors. The high equivalent widths of the H alpha + [N II] emission
lines of the integrated spectra of both galaxies indicate enhanced star fo
rmation rates compared with isolated galaxies and are compatible with those
observed in mergers of two disk galaxies. The velocities indicate that the
two galaxies are a physical pair and that they are linked with the small n
earby galaxy. The derived information suggests that ESO 296-IG11 is compose
d of two advanced late-type galaxies with similar general properties, which
, together with the small nearby galaxy, constitute a triple system.