Madrid-based Cordon Press was established over 20 years ago. As of June, the news agency will represent Corbis' historical and news imagery to local editorial clients, such as magazines, newspapers and publishers. The commercial Corbis collection will continue to be marketed directly to clients by the company's sales teams in Barcelona and Madrid.

The relationship with Cordon Press replaces a previous Corbis arrangement with a local reseller partner that specialized in book publishing. Aiming to build momentum in the growing local news, magazine and online sectors, Corbis decided a transition was needed to accelerate growth. Corbis executives say Cordon Press can maintain strength in the book-publishing market segment, while offering it dramatically expanded reach in other areas.

Cordon Press represents about 100 news agencies, including Splash News, Newscom, PA Photos and Reuters. Spanning current events in 180 countries, Cordon Press' site offers access to 2 million images and is updated with some 5,000 new photos daily. General manager Juan Carlos Cordon said that the addition of Corbis imagery "provide Spanish media and publishers with access to world-class collections that will enhance their reporting and other publishing."