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May 7 – May 13, 2012 Edition Bertelsmann Records Big Profit in First Quarter

Gütersloh/AUTHORLINK NEWS/May 9, 2012–Bertelsmann, the international media company which owns Random House in the US, is off to a good start in 2012: the Group reports increased first-quarter revenues, operating EBIT and group profit.

Revenues generated by Bertelsmann’s continuing operations during the reporting period increased by five percent to €3.64 billion (prior year: €3.46 billion), while operating EBIT increased from €248 million in Q1/2011 to €280 million. Return on Sales was 7.7 percent (prior year: 7.2 percent). Group profit increased significantly to €147 million (prior year: €94 million).

Bertelsmann Chairman & CEO Thomas Rabe comments: “Bertelsmann started the new year on a high note. All of our divisions including Corporate Investments are seeing growth, and our earnings performance is also very gratifying. This underscores the good starting position that Bertelsmann has established for its planned long-termed reshaping into a faster growing, more digital and more international company. Looking at the full year, we are confident of achieving our target of moderate revenue growth, stable operating EBIT at a high level, and increased group profit.”

The company employs 101,021 employees, up slightly from the previous year.