IMG and Butch Lewis Productions Partner to Form Joint Venture Company

Butch Lewis Productions, Inc. (BLP) and IMG Worldwide, Inc. (IMG) today announced the formation of a joint venture to develop and operate a talent management company that primarily represents minority entertainers and celebrities in the areas of endorsements, licensing and programming. Together they will create an entertainment company that gives global opportunities to promote and market minority talent.

Butch Lewis, legendary boxing promoter, film and music producer and philanthropist has been the man behind the success of many of the most celebrated names in sports and entertainment for over three decades. The dynamic BLP team with its long standing relationships, credibility and business expertise has joined forces with IMG, the premier global sports, entertainment and media company. "The BLP/IMG partnership will be the one-two punch combination needed to become the undisputed champion within the industry," said Lewis.

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 years of experience and knowledge to the partnership. "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," added Johnson.

"Butch Lewis and Robert Johnson are experts in their respective businesses," said George 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."

"We are incredibly excited to partner with these two renowned business men," said Sandy Montag, IMG Senior Corporate Vice President and Head of IMG's Client Division. "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 utilizing 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 and marketing efforts for the company. The new Limited Liability Company will be headquartered in New York. The business will be co-managed by Mr. Lewis and Mr. Montag.