UK distributor BBC Worldwide is to expand its operations by opening in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Announced at the NATPE conference in Las Vegas, the new team will grow the local productions of BBC as well as independent formats for networks across the region. It will be led by Jose Sanchez, vice president of Latin America.

Wayne Garvie, director of content and production, BBC Worldwide, said: “We are talking to local production companies in the region about possible partnerships. In the future we will also be looking to produce local scripted productions and in time create ideas that will be transferable to other territories.”

Recent formats that have been developed in the region include Dancing With The Stars for TVN in Chile, Artear in Argentina and SBT Channel Four in Brazil, and The Weakest Link and Great Britons.

BBC Worldwide plans to set up a global network of production bases to establish itself as a major international producer.