Univision announces licensing agreement with the estate of Pedro Infante
February 11, 2014
Univision Communications Inc. announced an agreement with Centerstage Brands International, LLC to license an array of consumers products, services and promotions branded with the name and image of Pedro Infante, the late Latin American idol from the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Univision will develop, implement and manage licensing and promotional strategies across product categories and distribution channels.
This agreement is unique in its structure which goes beyond licensing representation and joins the two brands in partnership for the Pedro Infante products being manufactured and distributed by Centerstage Brands. Pedro Infante accessories are scheduled to hit stores this March on the West Coast and will be followed up with an array of food products featuring the iconic Infante brand. Scheduled for launch are top of the line Tortilla Chips and Salsa (Q2) as well as coffee and hot sauce (Q3).
“We are proud to represent such a legendary icon that transcended Mexican music and culture,” said Rick Alessandri, executive vice president, Univision Enterprises. “Pedro Infante is one of the most famous and cherished Mexican actors and musicians of all time and his fans will now be able to share their love and never-ending appreciation of his work through an array of merchandising offerings, services and much more.”
“On behalf of Lupita Infante and Marco Rubi as well as my partners, Nancy Rosen, Tony Raimondo and Steve Bettinger, we are honored to be working with Univision, the most trusted name in the Hispanic community,” Steve Smith, CEO, Centerstage Brands International, LLC. “It is a special and historic event when the leading media company serving Hispanic consumers, collaborates with such a beloved personality such as Pedro Infante. It has been a long time since the Pedro Infante name and likeness has been made available for licensing and manufacturing opportunities, and we at Centerstage are grateful to be able to bring these two iconic brands together. We are confident that Univision will successfully build the Pedro Infante brand in the U.S. by securing licensing opportunities, and perfectly complimenting our manufacturing and distribution of the Pedro Infante Collection.”
A legendary actor and singer who passed away in 1957, Pedro Infante began his film career in 1939 and appeared in over 60 films and recorded over 400 songs. He was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Actor for his performance in the movie “Tizoc,” at the 7th Berlin International Film Festival. He also won the Ariel Award given by the Mexican Academy of Arts and Cinematographic Sciences for Best Actor for his role in “La Vida No Vale Nada” (Life is Worth Nothing). Infante, together with Jorge Negrete and Javier Solís, were known as the iconic “Tres Gallos Mexicanos” (the Three Mexican Roosters). Among the various honors and tributes bestowed to him, Pedro Infante received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993.