If you want to be in two, and only two of the many DMAs in the state of Texas, then Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston are the two, if potential audience is what you’re looking for. A deal for just such as pair has made it to the finish line as Una Vez Mas is now in control at KYAZ-51 in Houston and KAZD-55 in Dallas. Kalil & Co. was the broker of record on the deal.
The stations were KNWS-TV Houston and KLDT-TV Dallas-Ft. Worth back when the deal was originally put together. The seller out of bankruptcy was Johnson Broadcasting Inc. Of the $24.8M UVM spend, $14.88M went for the Houston facility and $9.92M for the Dallas facility.
The contract for the sale was filed late in 2009, but the transaction had to overcome a petition to deny. It managed that feat last fall.
The stations are both now affiliated with Hispanic network Azteca America. Azteca COO Martin Breidsprecher offered his congratulations on closure of the deal, saying, “This is great news for our affiliate network and great news for UVM. The virtuous circle of stronger distribution in these key markets, improved network ratings and the gradual recovery of the Spanish-language advertising market are very positive for Azteca America.”
No less pleased was Terry Crosby of UVM, who said, “These acquisitions represent a major step forward for our company.
“We’ve spent several years identifying and pursuing full-power stations in Dallas and Houston, and we’re pleased to be able to take advantage of this opportunity,” added UVM president Randy Nonberg.
