Spanish production house Grupo Boca has launched a new worldwide sales and production division, signalling plans to significantly grow its international presence.

Former Boca TV acquisitions and distribution head Mercedes Borruel has been appointed director of the new department. She will handle international sales on all feature film product out of Boca, previously commissioned to third-party agents, and will seek foreign co-production opportunities for the company, particularly within Europe.

'We're capitalising on the entry of Grupo Correo to amplify our presence internationally,' said Boca president Cesar Benitez referring to the company's new heavyweight backer, publishing and media conglom Grupo Correo.

Correo, which bought a 30% share in January and holds an option to take an additional 30% by year's end, this week appointed Manuel Campillo general director of Boca.

One of Spain's top independent TV producers, Boca puts out about four feature films per year. Its TV product is handled internationally by its four-part joint rights venture Grupo PI. New features in development at Boca include Carmen Maura-starrer While We Live (Mientras Vivimos) and Joan Potau-directed La Lonja starring El Gran Wyoming.