In 1941 his older brother César established the publishing house of Editorial Abril in Buenos Aires.
In 1949 Civita took his family from New York to São Paulo, where he founded Editora Abril the following year.
[1] When launching his first magazine published in Brazil, Civita reportedly personally attached placards to city streetcars, which read: "Donald Duck has arrived", showing his intention to connect to United States culture.
Civita was noted for promoting collaboration with the company's employees on goals and work processes.
His son, Roberto Civita (9 August 1936 – 26 May 2013), worked in the company and later became the Chairman of the Board and Editorial Director of the Abril Group.