UNIVISION, UMG SET SIGHTS ON LATIN MUSIC MARKET

Riding the sales potential of Latin music, Spanish-language TV giant Univision has created a music recording/publishing division, tapping former EMI Latin chief Jose "B.J. & The" Behar as its President/CEO.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, the division, called Univision Music Group, has purchased a 50% interest in indie label Disa Records, a move to jump-start the subsidiary. Disa's owners, the Chavez family, will retain the other 50% and will continue to manage operations.

Coinciding with the label’s launch comes word that Univision has inked an exclusive distribution deal with Universal Music Group in the United States and Puerto Rico, and an exclusive licensing agreement with Universal elsewhere. In Mexico, Disa will continue to operate as a fully integrated label.

"Univision's entry into Spanish-language music is a natural extension of our business and clearly positions the company as a broad-based, multifaceted entertainment company," Univision Chairman/CEO Jerry Perenchio said in a statement.

Industry veteran Behar left EMI Latin in February (hitsdailydouble.com, 2/20) after 12 years at the helm.