Founded in 1835 and based in Gutersloh, Germany, Bertelsmann AG is now one of the largest transnational media corporations in the world. Bertelsmann AG produces, serves and targets different outlets of media. In recent years, Bertelsmann AG has been the world's largest book publisher by sales (2008) and the largest media group in Europe (2006).
While not directly under the Bertelsmann name, 63 countries worldwide are being provided with television, radio, internet, newspapers, magazines and books through some outlet of Bertelsmann AG. This is possible through five corporate divisons: RTL Group, Random House, Gruner + Jahr, Arvato, and Direct Group. Each of these companies occupy leading positions within their respective markets.
- RTL Group provides over 170 million television viewers in Europe with entertainment on a daily basis.
- Random House is the book publishing arm of Bertelsmann AG, they have 120 publishing houses spanning 19 countries.
- Gruner + Jahr is the print media outlet owned by Bertelsmann AG. Publishing 19 magazines in France alone, five newspapers in Germany and is the leader of the advertising market in Poland.
- Arvato provides print and digital services. This corporate division handels everything from preprinting to finishing. Also, Arvato developes integrated service packages from video, audio, games and technology.
- Direct Group helps bring media to people through online shops, bookstores, media clubsand direct sales.
