NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises acquires Argentinean production boutique Underground

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises acquired the internationally-renowned production boutique Underground Producciones based in Argentina.  The new wholly-owned subsidiary will become an extension of Telemundo Global Studios designed to supercharge its growth and premium content production capabilities for prime time and digital platforms.

This deal strengthens Telemundo’s position as the largest producer of Spanish-language scripted content in the U.S. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Acquiring Underground Producciones is a strategic investment to help us meet the growing demand for high quality, cutting edge Spanish-language content in the U.S. and around the world. Underground represents a huge competitive advantage for Telemundo Global Studios, as we continue to develop and produce the best premium content and formats for Hispanics and audiences worldwide,” said Marcos Santana, president, Telemundo Global Studios.

Underground Producciones is led by its Artistic director Sebastián Ortega, who launched his career in 2001 at Argentinean broadcaster Telefe. In 2005, Ortega founded Underground Producciones which has produced international successes including Educando a Nina, Los Exitosos Pells, Graduados, Historia de un Clan, Un Gallo para Esculapio, 100 Días para Enamorarse, Lalola, El Marginal and the box office hit El Ángel de Luis Ortega, a co-production with Pedro Almodóvar’s El Deseo, Telefé and K&S Films. Already in its third season, El Marginal has been a ratings phenomenon and was adapted by Telemundo International Studios last year under the title El Recluso.

“This union represents a new era and a huge leap in artistic evolution for all of us on the team. We look forward to this partnership and we will continue to focus on developing top-notch productions, bringing hard work and passion to everything we do,” said Ortega, executive producer, Underground Producciones.