20
2011
0%
2017
~40
Target
Bertelsmann strives to create a faster-growing, more digital, more international and more diversified Group portfolio. Besides strengthening existing activities, this involves stepping up the development of new lines of business and regional markets that ensure a broader overall revenue structure.
A sustained improvement of the growth profile is the overarching goal of all strategic measures at Bertelsmann. The company achieves this using two approaches: 1) by establishing and expanding growth businesses – in the past primarily through acquisition, and in the future more through organic growth; and 2) by downscaling structurally declining businesses.
Digitization changes the markets of a media, services and education company more than any other megatrend. To seize the opportunities associated with this change, Bertelsmann is continuously transforming its core businesses into the digital world and investing in digital business models, while also developing new industries and customers that will profit from the transformation to digital.
Bertelsmann is increasingly expanding its businesses into regions that have higher long-term growth prospects than the core European markets, significant market potential in the businesses that are relevant for Bertelsmann, and a favorable regulatory and competitive environment. The main focus here is on Brazil, China, India and the United States.
As a company owned by a foundation and a family, Bertelsmann strives for a broad-based revenue structure. For this reason, the Group broadens the business operations of its existing activities wherever it makes strategic sense. One result of Bertelsmann's increased diversification is the Group structure with eight business divisions that has been in effect since January 1, 2016.