IMG and Butch Lewis Productions JV for sports stars

A new joint venture between two major sporting promoters marks the birth of a new talent managment company aimed at representing minority entertainers and celebrities.

IMG Worldwide, a premier sports, entertainment & media company has struck a deal with Butch Lewis Productions – names after the legendary boxing promoter and film and music producer. The JV is aimed at creating an entertainment powerhouse that gives global opportunities to promote and market minority talent in the areas of endorsements, licensing and programming.

Lewis said: ” The BLP/IMG partnership will be the one-two punch combination needed to become the undisputed champion within the industry”.

Entertainment magnate Robert L Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, current CEO of the RLJ companies and current IMG board member will be an integral part in driving the success of the company by lending his experience and knowledge to the partnership.

He added: “The BLP/IMG partnership creates a win-win situation and has the potential to be the most dominant and premier minority management and marketing company in the world.”

“Butch Lewis and RObert Johnson are experts in their respective businesses,” said Geroge Pyne, president of IMG’s Sports and Entertainment Group. “Their business acumen and outstanding track record in creating successful businesses will serve our new initiative very well. We are looking forward to working with them”.

Sandy Montag, IMG senior corporate vice-president and head of IMG’s client Division, added: “We are incredibly excited to partner with these two renowned business men. Butch and Robert have both created great entertainment brands and are leaders in the world of entertainment. Over the years they have dealt with some of the great legends in boxing, music and Hollywood and we look forward to creating this new business with them.”

BLP will staff and manage the day-to-day operations utilising its extensive relationships and contacts in the world of sports, entertainment and media to introduce potential clients to the venture. IMG will staff and manage the overall sales & marketing efforts for the company. The new limited Liability Company will be headquartered in New York. The business will be co-managed by Lewis and Montag.