Univision Exits El Rey Investment

Univision Communications has exited its minority position in El Rey Network, the English-language cable channel and production studio created by Mexican-American filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures.

The move enables El Rey to become 100 percent independently owned. Univision will continue to provide El Rey with sales and distribution services. El Rey is an English-language, Latino-infused entertainment brand that showcases a range of programming, including reality, scripted and animated series, movies, documentaries, music, comedy and sports.

“This is an important and significant milestone for El Rey, and we’re thrilled to have full ownership of our brand,” said Robert Rodriguez, El Rey Chairman. “Thanks to Univision’s support and guidance, El Rey has been able to achieve more than we ever imagined and I’m confident that with this strong foundation we will continue to successfully serve one of the most important and influential audiences.”

Rodriguez added, “We want to thank Univision for the incredible partnership over the last seven years, and we are fully supportive of—and excited for—the company’s next phase under their new ownership group.”

FactoryMade CEO John Fogelman added, “From the start of our partnership, Univision believed in the strength of El Rey’s strategy and our potential, and today’s development is a true testament to all we’ve accomplished together. We thank the whole Univision team for their support of our network. They have been a tremendous partner, and I look forward to seeing all the company achieves in its next chapter under the ownership of such well-respected industry experts.”

“Univision initially partnered with Robert and the El Rey team in an effort to support an innovative brand with the goal of successfully reaching young Hispanics in a way that nobody had done before,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Univision. “We look forward to watching all that El Rey will undoubtedly accomplish in the future. For Univision, we remain focused on the anticipated close of our transaction with ForgeLight and Searchlight and we are excited about all that lies ahead.”