United International Pictures (UIP) has added a Spanish link to its rapidly growing chain of international distribution partners, striking a long-term pact with Planeta 2010, the start-up multimedia division of publishing company Grupo Planeta.

UIP chairman and chief executive Paul Oneile confirmed that a deal has been concluded with the Spanish operation but declined to reveal further details until an official announcement. The pact is expected to encompass local titles and product from the US and other international markets acquired by Planeta.

The Spanish company is also expected to cover p&a costs for the films, with UIP handling physical distribution. Separately, Planeta has struck a video deal with Paramount Home Entertainment.

Planeta recently acquired all rights to its first feature film, the Italian animation hit La Gabbianella E Il Gatto. The division picked up theatrical, video, pay-TV and free-TV rights to the film, which was produced by Italy's Cecchi Gori Group.

UIP, the international distribution venture of Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures and MGM, this week finalised an alliance with Germany's Advanced Medien, providing UIP with studio-level titles and smaller pictures on which Advanced has taken rights. UIP also confirmed that it is in advanced talks with Rai Cinema, the start-up film arm of the Italian state broadcaster, to handle Rai productions and acquisitions.