Irantzu Diez Gamboa de Imagina US
Simple Networks, a company owned by former DIRECTV executives Jason Markham and Evan Grayer, and Inversiones Bahia, a Panama-based private equity office with a long history of successful investments in Latin America, have partnered to acquire the Golf Channel Latin America from AT&T. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
As part of the transaction, the channel’s entire production operations have been transferred from Buenos Aires to Imagina US’s state-of-the-art production facilities in Miami, Florida. Imagina US is focused on providing the best one-stop-shop production and will handle the channel’s overall production, master control, playout, content reception, live production, transmission and subtitling needs.
“Golf Channel is the home of golf in Latin America, and Evan and I have found the ideal partners in Inversiones Bahia. Their vision and track record of success in their investments fit perfectly with our plans for the channel. We are committed to continuing to develop our live tournament coverage and golf content to bring the best product possible to our viewers, distribution partners, and advertising clients,” said Jason Markham, Golf Channel’s CEO who will be running the day-to-day operations.
“We strongly believe that golf attracts a very passionate and special audience that is very appealing to target advertisers and represents a programming sports staple for pay television distribution in the region. Together, with the support of our partners, including Golf Channel and PGA Tour, we are certain to provide a high quality and exciting home for golf viewers in Latin America,” said Miguel Heras, managing partner of Inversiones Bahia.
“Golf’s growth in Latin America has elevated the game’s place as a global sport. Through our licensing partnership with Simple Networks and Inversiones Bahia, Golf Channel Latin America’s programming schedule is bolstered by our slate of engaging content, including our critically acclaimed Golf Central Live From the Majors platform and coverage of The Open Championship,” said Phil Piazza, SVP, Programming, Golf Channel/NBC Sports Group.
“We are honored to have been chosen by Golf Channel Latin America to take the channel to the next level by providing golf fans all across Latin America with the best and most seamless television experience yet,” said Irantzu Diez Gamboa, president of Imagina US.
