Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
A privately controlled German global group spanning media, services, education, and investment activities.
Last updated October 2, 2026
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Overview
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, generally known as Bertelsmann, is a German multinational group headquartered in Gütersloh, North Rhine-Westphalia. Founded in 1835 by publisher Carl Bertelsmann, the company began as a Protestant-oriented publishing house and gradually developed into a diversified media and services enterprise. Its modern portfolio combines content creation and distribution with technology-enabled business services, education, and venture investment. The company’s transformation accelerated after the Second World War under Reinhard Mohn, who took over the family publishing business in 1947. Mohn expanded Bertelsmann beyond conventional book publishing through subscription-based book clubs, record clubs, music publishing, broadcasting, magazines, printing, logistics, customer-management services, and digital media. This model made the company less dependent on a single publishing niche and helped it internationalize rapidly, particularly in the United States and other European markets. Bertelsmann’s principal operating divisions are RTL Group, Penguin Random House, BMG, Arvato Group, Bertelsmann Marketing Services, Bertelsmann Education Group, and Bertelsmann Investments. RTL Group operates television channels, streaming platforms, radio stations, and production businesses. Penguin Random House is the group’s global trade-book publishing business and publishes fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, audiobooks, and digital editions. BMG manages music publishing, recorded-music rights, artist services, and music catalogs. Arvato provides logistics, customer-management, supply-chain, financial, information-technology, and other outsourced business services. Bertelsmann Marketing Services combines direct marketing, print, and related communications activities. The Education Group focuses especially on healthcare education, professional learning, and digital education solutions. Bertelsmann Investments manages venture-capital and growth investments, including activities associated with Bertelsmann Next. The group is privately held but maintains a capital-market orientation. Its ownership is designed to preserve long-term control by the founding Mohn family and related foundations. Bertelsmann states that foundations indirectly hold 80.9 percent of the capital while the Mohn family holds 19.1 percent; the Bertelsmann Verwaltungsgesellschaft controls the voting rights. This structure has allowed Bertelsmann to pursue acquisitions, portfolio restructuring, and long-term investment without the same quarterly-market pressures faced by a fully listed conglomerate. Important turning points include the launch of the Lesering book club in 1950, entry into recorded music during the 1950s, acquisition of UFA in 1964, the expansion into magazines and television, the creation of Bertelsmann Music Group, the acquisition of Random House in 1998, and the formation of RTL Group with Pearson in 2000. The company also became involved in the early digital music economy through its relationship with Napster, an episode that brought substantial legal and strategic controversy. In publishing, Bertelsmann combined Penguin and Random House in 2013 and completed the acquisition of full ownership of Penguin Random House in 2020. In the 2010s and 2020s, Bertelsmann increasingly described its strategy around three broad business pillars—media, services, and education—supported by targeted investment. It expanded its education holdings, increased its exposure to medical training through Afya in Brazil, pursued content and rights acquisitions, and used Bertelsmann Investments to back technology and growth companies. The company remains active in about 50 countries and employs more than 75,000 people according to its current corporate overview. Thomas Rabe remains chairman and chief executive officer through December 31, 2026, after which Thomas Coesfeld is scheduled to succeed him on January 1, 2027.
History
Bertelsmann’s origins lie in the C. Bertelsmann Verlag, founded by Carl Bertelsmann in Gütersloh on July 1, 1835. The original business published Protestant theological works associated with the Minden-Ravensberg revival movement. It later broadened into schoolbooks, educational titles, reference works, and popular fiction. By the early twentieth century, the publishing house had developed beyond its initial religious specialization. The company’s history during the National Socialist era is a significant and contested part of its institutional record. Under Heinrich Mohn, the publishing house benefited from demand for inexpensive popular editions and war-related books and became an important supplier to the German armed forces. Company and family ties to National Socialist organizations were initially presented inaccurately or incompletely after the war. A later independent historical commission documented the company’s involvement in the Nazi-era publishing system and the need to correct the postwar narrative. The publisher was closed by Nazi authorities in 1944, officially in the context of wartime mobilization and following an internal investigation involving paper procurement practices. After 1945, Bertelsmann sought a new publishing license from the Allied authorities. Reinhard Mohn, who had returned from wartime service and captivity, took over operational leadership of the family company in 1947. The postwar German book market entered a crisis after the 1948 currency reform, prompting Mohn to develop new forms of direct distribution. In 1950, Bertelsmann launched the Lesering book club, allowing subscribers to buy books at discounted prices. The book-club model converted Bertelsmann from a regional publisher into a large-scale direct-marketing and distribution business and became an important engine of growth. During the 1950s and 1960s, Bertelsmann entered music and industrial production. It created a record club, launched Ariola as a record label, and established Sonopress for pressing records. Its book and audio distribution operations laid the foundations for the later service businesses. In 1964, Bertelsmann acquired the fragmented UFA group, gaining a foothold in film, television, and entertainment. In 1969, it acquired a stake in Gruner + Jahr, expanding into magazines and journalism. A proposed merger with Axel Springer in 1970 failed after regulatory and financing difficulties. In 1971, the company was reorganized as Bertelsmann AG. Its publishing houses were grouped into a formal publishing division, while the corporate center remained in Gütersloh after publishing operations had moved partly to Munich. The 1970s brought financial pressure, market saturation in Germany, and tighter merger regulation. At the same time, Bertelsmann expanded internationally through acquisitions and partnerships, including interests in Spanish and American publishers, Ariola’s U.S. activities, and Arista Records. Leadership changed from the founding family to professional managers in the early 1980s. Reinhard Mohn moved to the supervisory board in 1981, followed by Jürgen Kraemer and then Mark Wössner. Under Wössner, Bertelsmann strengthened central management, acquired a stake in RTL plus, bought a majority of RCA Records, and acquired Doubleday. The group became a major international media conglomerate. This period was also marked by the 1983 Hitler diaries scandal at Stern, which caused serious reputational damage and prompted later historical reassessment. The 1990s brought further internationalization, the spread of private television, and early digital-media investments. In 1993, Reinhard Mohn transferred the majority of the company’s capital interests to the Bertelsmann Stiftung and related ownership structures, creating the foundation-centered model that continues to shape Bertelsmann’s governance. Gruner + Jahr expanded in the United States through its acquisition of magazines associated with The New York Times. Bertelsmann also invested in AOL Europe, internet services, multimedia companies, and digital publishing. In 1997, UFA merged with Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Télédiffusion to create CLT-UFA, the foundation of the modern RTL Group. Thomas Middelhoff became CEO in 1998. Bertelsmann acquired Random House the same year, consolidating its position in English-language publishing. It later acquired Springer Science+Business Media and restructured its online and multimedia holdings. In 2000, Bertelsmann and Pearson combined their television assets into RTL Group, while Bertelsmann eventually exchanged shares with Groupe Bruxelles Lambert to secure control. Bertelsmann also dissolved its AOL Europe relationship, a transaction that generated substantial proceeds. From 2001 to 2007, the company entered a consolidation period. Its investment in Napster was intended to help transform a controversial file-sharing service into a lawful subscription platform, but copyright lawsuits and the collapse of Napster’s original service made the initiative unsuccessful. Middelhoff’s proposal to pursue a public listing created tensions with the Mohn family. Under Gunter Thielen, Bertelsmann reduced exposure to unprofitable e-commerce ventures, divested selected assets, combined its music operations with Sony, and repurchased the Groupe Bruxelles Lambert stake. By 2006, the Mohn family and related foundations had restored complete control of Bertelsmann’s voting rights. Hartmut Ostrowski became CEO in 2008 and was succeeded by Thomas Rabe in 2012. That year, Bertelsmann changed its legal form from an Aktiengesellschaft to a KGaA with Bertelsmann Management SE as general partner. Under Rabe, the group emphasized digital transformation, international scale, and the development of education as a third major business pillar alongside media and services. Bertelsmann floated part of its RTL Group holding in 2013 while retaining control, combined Penguin and Random House into Penguin Random House, acquired full ownership of Gruner + Jahr in 2014, and expanded into education through acquisitions such as Relias Learning. The company reorganized its portfolio in the second half of the 2010s. It established or formalized divisions for RTL Group, Penguin Random House, BMG, Arvato, marketing services, education, and investments. Bertelsmann progressively increased its ownership of Penguin Random House and became its sole owner in 2020. It also expanded BMG’s music-rights activities, Arvato’s logistics and technology services, and education investments in healthcare and professional learning. During the 2020s, Bertelsmann pursued growth through acquisitions, content rights, streaming, education, and venture investing. Penguin Random House expanded its publishing portfolio, RTL Group and Fremantle invested in television production and streaming, BMG acquired and administered music catalogs, Arvato broadened its global logistics and technology footprint, and Bertelsmann Investments built a wider network of funds and growth companies. In Brazil, the group increased its ownership of Afya, a medical education company, and supported expansion into additional university programs. In 2025, the group continued investing in publishing, logistics, education, artificial intelligence-related initiatives, and digital services. The planned appointment of Thomas Coesfeld as CEO from January 1, 2027 represents the next scheduled leadership transition in Bertelsmann’s long history.
- 2025
Investment and digital-growth programs continue
[7]Bertelsmann reports continued investments in content, logistics, education, artificial intelligence initiatives, and venture holdings.
- 2024
Education and content portfolio expanded
[15]Penguin Random House acquires Hay House, Fremantle acquires Asacha Media Group, Penguin Random House increases its stake in Sourcebooks, and Bertelsmann increases its ownership of Afya.
- 2020
Penguin Random House becomes wholly owned
[10]Bertelsmann completes the acquisition of the remaining ownership interest in Penguin Random House.
- 2014
Education becomes a strategic growth pillar
[14]Bertelsmann expands its education activities, including the acquisition of Relias Learning, and subsequently establishes the Bertelsmann Education Group.
- 2013
Penguin Random House created
[13]Penguin and Random House are combined into a global trade-publishing group.
- 2012
Current KGaA legal form adopted
[1]Bertelsmann changes from an Aktiengesellschaft to a partnership limited by shares, with Bertelsmann Management SE as general partner.
- 2008
BMG music rights business re-established
[2]Following the later separation of Sony BMG, Bertelsmann re-enters music rights through the new BMG business, founded in 2008.
- 2003
Sony BMG joint venture created
[1]Bertelsmann combines its recorded-music business with Sony in a 50-50 joint venture.
- 2000
RTL Group formed and AOL Europe relationship dissolved
[1]Bertelsmann and Pearson combine television operations into RTL Group, while Bertelsmann exits its AOL Europe joint venture.
- 1998
Random House acquired
[1]Bertelsmann acquires Random House and becomes a leading force in English-language trade publishing.
Products and positioning
A globally diversified, privately controlled media, services, and education group that combines premium content and intellectual property with technology-enabled services, learning platforms, and long-term investment capital.
Entertainment and broadcasting · 2000
RTL Group
RTL Group is Bertelsmann’s major entertainment division. It operates a portfolio of television channels, streaming services, radio stations, production companies, and digital-content businesses. Its activities include broadcasting, advertising-funded television, subscription streaming, content production, and distribution. Fremantle, one of its principal production businesses, develops and distributes scripted and unscripted formats internationally.
Trade publishing · 2013
Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House is Bertelsmann’s global trade-publishing business and one of the world’s largest book publishers. It publishes commercial fiction, serious nonfiction, children’s books, illustrated works, biographies, lifestyle titles, audiobooks, and e-books through a large network of imprints. The group combines editorial autonomy at the imprint level with international distribution, rights management, and digital publishing capabilities.
Music rights and recorded music · 2008
BMG
BMG is Bertelsmann’s music company. It represents songwriters and artists, administers music publishing rights, manages recorded-music catalogs, provides licensing and synchronization services, and supports artist services. BMG was created in its modern form in 2008 after Bertelsmann’s recorded-music joint venture with Sony was separated.
Business services and logistics · 1996
Arvato Group
Arvato provides outsourced business-process and technology-enabled services to corporate clients. Its activities include customer relationship management, supply-chain management, fulfillment, logistics, financial services, information technology, e-commerce operations, and related industry solutions. The division operates internationally and serves sectors including technology, retail, healthcare, consumer products, and financial services.
Marketing and printing services · 2016
Bertelsmann Marketing Services
Bertelsmann Marketing Services brings together direct marketing, digital marketing, print, and related communications activities. It provides cross-channel solutions for advertisers, publishers, and corporate clients, connecting physical production and fulfillment with data-driven and digital customer engagement.
Education and professional learning · 2015
Bertelsmann Education Group
The Bertelsmann Education Group coordinates the company’s education and training activities. Its businesses focus particularly on healthcare education, medical training, professional development, performance management, and digital learning. The group seeks to combine content, technology, and institutional services for students, professionals, healthcare workers, and organizations.
Venture capital and growth investment · 2006
Bertelsmann Investments
Bertelsmann Investments is the group’s investment platform. It bundles venture-capital funds, strategic investments, and the growth-oriented Bertelsmann Next unit. Its portfolio spans media, technology, education, healthcare, financial technology, and other sectors, with an emphasis on supporting entrepreneurial companies and future growth platforms.
Controversies
2001
Napster copyright controversy
Bertelsmann supported Napster financially while seeking to develop a lawful subscription model for digital music. The initiative occurred amid lawsuits by music companies and artists over unauthorized file sharing. Napster’s original service was shut down, and Bertelsmann faced claims and criticism connected with its support of the platform.
1983
Forged Hitler diaries
Stern, a magazine published by Gruner + Jahr, acquired and published purported diaries of Adolf Hitler that were later proven to be forgeries. The scandal led to criminal convictions, a collapse in editorial credibility, and reputational damage for Gruner + Jahr and Bertelsmann.
1933
Bertelsmann’s conduct during the National Socialist era
The company benefited from demand for affordable war-related and ideological publications during the Nazi period and became an important supplier to the German armed forces. After 1945, the company’s links to National Socialist organizations were initially minimized or denied. An independent historical commission established in 1999–2002 documented the company’s involvement and is treated by Bertelsmann as the authoritative account of this period.
Brand decisions
2025
Planned CEO succession to Thomas CoesfeldOtherBackground
Thomas Rabe’s contract as chairman and CEO is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026 after a 15-year tenure.
Action taken
The supervisory board designated Thomas Coesfeld to become chairman and CEO effective January 1, 2027.
Aftermath
The decision establishes a planned transition from the current CEO to a younger executive who leads BMG and serves on the Bertelsmann Executive Board.
2024
Expansion of the group strategy around growth programsStrategyBackground
Bertelsmann sought to accelerate growth in content, services, education, technology, and investment while maintaining a diversified portfolio.
Action taken
The group expanded its strategy through programs focused on content, global services, education, technology, and investment activity.
Aftermath
The strategy supported further acquisitions in publishing, television production, medical education, logistics, and digital services.
2020
Full acquisition of Penguin Random HouseM&ABackground
Bertelsmann had progressively increased its ownership of the combined trade-publishing company after its 2013 creation.
Action taken
Bertelsmann acquired the remaining stake in Penguin Random House.
Aftermath
Penguin Random House became a wholly owned Bertelsmann division and a central pillar of the group’s global media portfolio.
2014
Acquisition of full ownership of Gruner + JahrM&ABackground
Bertelsmann sought to simplify control of its magazine and publishing portfolio and align Gruner + Jahr more closely with group strategy.
Action taken
Bertelsmann acquired the remaining shares of Gruner + Jahr.
Aftermath
The transaction gave Bertelsmann complete ownership of the magazine publisher and strengthened central portfolio management.
2013
Combination of Penguin and Random HouseM&ABackground
Bertelsmann and Pearson sought greater scale in global trade publishing as the market shifted toward digital books, international rights, and consolidated distribution.
Action taken
The companies merged their trade-publishing businesses into Penguin Random House, initially with Bertelsmann holding a majority stake.
Aftermath
Penguin Random House became the world’s largest trade-publishing group and was ultimately brought under full Bertelsmann ownership in 2020.
2013
Partial flotation of RTL Group sharesStrategyBackground
Bertelsmann wanted to raise capital for strategic growth while retaining control of its key television and entertainment asset.
Action taken
Bertelsmann sold a portion of its RTL Group holding through a stock-market placement.
Aftermath
The transaction provided funding for expansion while leaving RTL Group as a controlled but separately listed Bertelsmann division.
2012
Conversion to a KGaA structureOtherBackground
Bertelsmann needed a legal form compatible with private family and foundation control while maintaining a capital-market orientation.
Action taken
Bertelsmann changed from an Aktiengesellschaft to Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, with Bertelsmann Management SE acting as the general partner.
Aftermath
The new structure preserved concentrated voting control and remains the group’s legal framework.
2003
Creation of Sony BMG Music EntertainmentM&ABackground
Bertelsmann’s music operations faced declining physical sales and increasing pressure from digital distribution.
Action taken
Bertelsmann and Sony combined their recorded-music activities in a 50-50 joint venture.
Aftermath
The transaction created one of the world’s largest recorded-music companies, while Bertelsmann later exited the joint venture and rebuilt its music presence around BMG rights management.
2001
Financial support for NapsterStrategyBackground
The music industry faced the rapid growth of peer-to-peer file sharing and sought business models that could convert digital audiences into paying subscribers.
Action taken
Bertelsmann provided financial support to Napster while pursuing a legal subscription-based music service model.
Aftermath
Napster was unable to resolve its litigation and shut down its original service. The strategy attracted legal exposure and became a cautionary episode in the transition to digital music.
- Recording Industry Association of America — The broader recording industry continued copyright litigation against Napster and other file-sharing services.
- Sony Music Entertainment — Sony participated in the wider industry response to digital piracy and later became Bertelsmann’s recorded-music joint-venture partner.
2000
Formation of RTL GroupM&ABackground
Bertelsmann and Pearson sought to consolidate their European television assets and create a stronger international entertainment company.
Action taken
The companies combined their television subsidiaries to form RTL Group, with Bertelsmann subsequently increasing its ownership through a share exchange with Groupe Bruxelles Lambert.
Aftermath
RTL Group became one of Bertelsmann’s central operating divisions and a major European broadcaster and content producer.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Recent events
Bertelsmann reports 2019 financial results[17]
Reported:
Bertelsmann released its 2019 financial results, reporting revenue of €18 billion, record operating EBITDA of €2.9 billion, and profit of €1.1 billion.
Sources17 sources
- 1Bertelsmannen.wikipedia.org
- 2Bertelsmann Group and Divisionsbertelsmann.com
- 3Bertelsmann at a Glancebertelsmann.com
- 4Shareholder Structurebertelsmann.com
- 5Board of Directors and Group Management Committeebertelsmann.com
- 6Bertelsmann Annual Report 2025ar2025.bertelsmann.com
- 7Bertelsmann Annual Report 2025 Strategyar2025.bertelsmann.com
- 8Review of Bertelsmann’s Corporate History During the National Socialist Erabertelsmann.com
- 9German Federal Archives: Forged Hitler Diariesbundesarchiv.de
- 10Bertelsmann Chroniclehistory.bertelsmann.com
- 11Wired: Napster Gets Helpwired.com
- 12C. Bertelsmann Verlag foundedbertelsmann.com
- 13Penguin Random House createdbertelsmann.com
- 14Education becomes a strategic growth pillarbertelsmann.com
- 15Education and content portfolio expandedbertelsmann.com
- 16Planned CEO succession to Thomas Coesfeldbertelsmann.com
- 17贝塔斯曼公布2019年财报prnasia.com
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