Panamericana Televisionan emblematic Peruvian television house with more than six decades of history, has been acquired by the Paltarumi Group, led by Jimmy Pflücker and Enrique Franco, in a strategic alliance with the renowned producer Susana Umbert.
The operation marks the closing of an era under the Schütz family and the beginning of a new stage for Channel 5.
The transaction was confirmed by the newspaper Gestión, which detailed that the agreement was finalized on Friday, October 10, after several months of negotiations. According to the media, Pflücker will assume the financial direction of the channel, while Umbert will be in charge of content strategy.
With more than 30 years of experience in the television industry, Susana Umbert has held key positions in América Televisión and Latina Televisión. Founder of the production companies WIT Entertainment Media and Infinito, Umbert sealed an agreement this year with Panamericana for the production of new formats, including the return of “El Valor de la Verdad”, hosted by journalist Beto Ortiz.
The official confirmation was given on Thursday through the Panamericana signal. During her program, journalist Marisol García announced the sale and welcomed the new owners, highlighting the symbolism of the change within the framework of the channel’s 66th anniversary.
“Today is an important day for Panamericana Televisión. On our 66th anniversary of uninterrupted transmission, the famous Esquina de la Televisión has new owners as of today. The renowned producer Susana Humbert Bentín, together with the Paltarumi Group, of Jimmy Flucker and Enrique Franco, have acquired all the shares of the channel,” said García.
The journalist greeted the new owners and offered a few words of farewell and gratitude to the former owners.
“On behalf of the workers of this house, we give you the most cordial welcome and wish you great success. We also take the opportunity to thank those who until yesterday were the owners of Panamericana, represented by Ernesto Schütz Freund, to whom we wish the greatest success in their future projects,” he concluded.
Financial challenges and restructuring
According to Management, the sale occurred in the midst of a complex financial situation that affects the channel. The amount of the transaction would not have been high, due to the accumulated liabilities, which include debts exceeding S/ 117 million with Sunat and other creditors. Part of these obligations were annulled by rulings of the Constitutional Court.
In recent years, Panamericana went through insolvency and restructuring processes under the supervision of Indecopi and Sunat, which allowed the continuity of its operations despite the difficulties.
Historical legacy
Founded by Genaro Delgado Parker, together with his brothers Héctor and Manuel and businessman Isaac Lindley, Panamericana was born inspired by television models from the United States, Mexico and Cuba. With technical support from Philips, it began broadcasting on channel 13, migrating in 1965 to channel 5, from where it consolidated its national presence.
The inaugural gala at the Country Club Hotel, with the presence of President Fernando Belaúnde Terry and international figures such as Silvia Pinal, marked the beginning of a new media era.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Panamericana reached coverage of more than 80% of the national territory, becoming the second largest chain in the country. Its headquarters at Av. Arequipa 1110, Santa Beatriz, became an urban icon known as “The television corner.”
From “Trampolín a la Fama” with Augusto Ferrando, to “24 Horas” with Humberto Martínez Morosini, “Buenos Días Perú”, “Aló Gisela”, “Nubeluz” and “Risas y Salsa”, Panamericana defined the Peruvian collective imagination. He also produced soap operas such as “Natacha”, “Carmín” and “Simply María”, which were exported and co-produced with Televisa, RTI and Venevisión.
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