Bertelsmann Reports Strong H1 2026 Growth Ahead of CEO Transition

Bertelsmann, the media giant based in Gütersloh, reported significant financial growth in the first half of 2026. Revenues rose by 2.3% to €9.3 billion, up from €9.1 billion in the same period last year. Excluding acquisition and divestiture effects, organic growth surged 5.1%, marking the strongest expansion the company has experienced in nearly twenty years. Net profit jumped 45% to €292 million, while Operating EBITDA increased by almost 5% to €1.3 billion.

Growth was broad-based across nearly all segments, with Penguin Random House, BMG, and Arvato contributing positively. However, the RTL Group saw a decline due to the previous sale of RTL Nederland. Notably, RTL's streaming service RTL+ turned profitable for the first time, generating an estimated €120 million toward operational results. CEO Thomas Rabe highlighted the success of the merger between RTL and Sky, citing a "Supersport Weekend" that reached over half the German population.

Bertelsmann is expanding its workforce, currently advertising 225 open positions and a growing number of apprenticeships, reflecting ongoing strategic growth efforts including the recent acquisition of Sky Deutschland. The company has raised its revenue and operational result forecasts for 2026, underscoring its positive outlook.

Rabe announced he will step down as CEO at the end of the year, passing leadership to Thomas Coesfeld, who will also take on responsibility for Arvato Logistics along with his current duties. This leadership transition marks a new chapter as Bertelsmann continues to invest in content, services, and global expansion.