Bertelsmann is a privately held German conglomerate headquartered in Gütersloh, Germany. Founded in 1835 as a publishing business for Christian literature by Carl Bertelsmann, it now employs more than 76,000 people and operates in approximately 50 countries. Revenue for the 2025 financial year was €19 billion.
The group's activities span media, services and education. Its divisions include RTL Group, an entertainment company active across broadcast, streaming, content and digital; Penguin Random House, the world's largest trade book publisher; BMG, a global music company; the internationally operating services group Arvato Group; Bertelsmann Marketing Services; Bertelsmann Education Group; and Bertelsmann Investments. Technical work across these businesses touches broadcasting, streaming, content production, digital media, media technology and business services.
The company states that it stands for creativity and entrepreneurship, with core values emphasising sustainability and responsibility towards employees, society and the environment. It reports a strong commitment to compliance and ethical business practices. Industry verticals in which the group is active include media, entertainment, broadcasting, streaming, publishing, music, business services, marketing services, education and investments.
