MUMBAI: In a significant move, US media conglomerate NBC Universal Television Group has signed a two-year, first-look development deal with Galn Entertainment.

This is for the production of telenovelas and other Spanish-language formats in English across its many networks

In contrast to other similar network arrangements, NBC Universal, Galn Entertainment and Spanish network Telemundo will leverage its existing assets and expertise of the novela production system -- the second-largest Spanish-language content producer in the world -- for the Spanish market.

Telemundo will license all its formats, in addition to other acquired formats, to Galn Entertainment to re-develop into English.

NBC Universal Television Group CEO Jeff Zucker says, "This represents a fantastic opportunity to achieve many of our goals at NBCU. With this, we can better integrate our English and Spanish-speaking audiences in a way that no other broadcaster can do. It shows the tremendous promise we first saw when we brought Telemundo into the NBC family."

Telemundo president Don Browne says, "The deal further highlights the value of GE's and NBCU's investment in Spanish-language television. Galn provides the perfect bridge to transport the great development, production and writing talents of the Telemundo team into English language."