Bertelsmann has moved to increase its legal response to what it and others call restrictions on access to certain books in parts of the United States, its chief executive said during a post-earnings call. The company has identified the U.S. as an expanding and increasingly material market for the German media conglomerate.
CEO Thomas Rabe reported that the United States now accounts for 28% of Bertelsmann's revenue, compared with about 14% in 2011. That expansion, he said, reflects growth across several of the group's businesses, including publisher Penguin Random House, music company BMG, logistics unit Arvato and education provider Relias. Rabe added that U.S. operations make up an even higher proportion of the group's profit.
Rabe flagged legal activity in the U.S. tied to restrictions imposed by some states and school districts on the availability of certain books in public libraries or their use in schools. Such measures have been characterised by critics as de facto book bans. Rabe described the policies in blunt terms, saying, "These are indeed factual book bans."
The company and its publishing arm are challenging the measures in court. Rabe said Bertelsmann has prevailed in every legal case that has reached a decision to date. He framed the litigation as part of a broader responsibility to oppose limitations not only on individual institutions but also on organisations that work against restrictions on freedom of expression. In his words, "we are vigorously, vigorously fighting back against it."
The company also referenced a federal action taken earlier this year. In January 2025, the Trump administration dismissed 11 complaints related to books banned by local school districts.
Business context
- U.S. revenue share has roughly doubled since 2011, driven by multiple divisions across publishing, music, logistics and education.
- Legal challenges over book access are an active and public front for the group in the U.S., with the company reporting success in decided cases so far.
The remarks tie Bertelsmann's commercial footprint in the U.S. to its decision to intensify legal efforts. For investors and analysts, the intersection of regulatory and reputational issues with core profit-generating operations in the U.S. will be a point of attention as the company proceeds with litigation.