Bertelsmann boosts revenue and profits

Bertelsmann has reported a boost in revenue and profits in the first nine months of 2011, driven by growth in TV advertising and the performance of shows such as The X Factor and American Idol. The majority shareholder in pan-European broadcaster RTL, the parent company of The X Factor and American Idol co-producer Fremantle Media, reported revenue growth of 2.3% to €10.7bn (£9.2bn). Group profit rose by 5.6% to €377m, although at an operating profit level there was a slight dip of 1% to €1.03bn thanks to "start-up losses incurred as planned in the building of new businesses". Bertelsmann – which also owns Stieg Larsson publisher Random House, magazine business Gruner + Jahr and music publishing joint venture BMG - said all of its divisions had contributed to the growth. The company said it remained confident about its full-year performance, confirming "moderate" growth in total revenues and an increase in group profit with "slightly lower" operating profit. RTL remains a key driver of growth in the Bertelsmann business. The division outperformed Bertelsmann in terms of percentage revenue growth during the first nine months. RTL's revenue grew by 4.4% to €3.99bn and operating profit - earnings before interest, tax and amortisation - grew by 4.6% to €701m. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". • To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook