Finance
Bertelsmann Cranks up Legal Fight Against US Book Bans as Market Grows
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 26, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 26, 2026
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Bertelsmann is ramping up its legal response to widespread book bans in the U.S., where its business presence—spanning Penguin Random House, BMG, Arvato, and Relias—now contributes roughly 28 % of its revenue, marking a doubling since 2011.
Bertelsmann Boosts Legal Push Against US Book Bans Amid Growing Market Share
Bertelsmann's Expanding Presence and Legal Efforts in the US Market
By Cian Muenster and Emanuele Berro
US Market Growth and Revenue Impact
March 26 (Reuters) - Bertelsmann has stepped up legal efforts to counter the so‑called book bans in the U.S., a market that is becoming an increasingly important part of the German media group's business, its chief executive said on Thursday.
The United States accounts for 28% of Bertelsmann’s revenue, up from about 14% in 2011, CEO Thomas Rabe said during a post-earnings call. This growth has been driven by expansion across many of its businesses, including publisher Penguin Random House, music group BMG, logistics firm Arvato and education business Relias.
Profit Contribution from US Operations
The company's U.S. operations contribute an even larger share of its profit, Rabe added.
Legal Challenges Against Book Bans
Background on Book Bans in the US
In recent years, a number of U.S. states and school districts have restricted access to certain books, limiting their availability in public libraries or their use in schools. Critics have described such measures as de facto book bans.
Recent Developments and Legal Actions
In January 2025, the Trump administration dismissed 11 complaints related to books banned by local school districts.
“These are indeed factual book bans,” Rabe said. Bertelsmann and its publishing arm are contesting the measures in court, and the group has so far won every legal case that has been decided, he added.
Bertelsmann's Commitment to Freedom of Expression
"We see it as our duty to oppose not only restrictions on a single institution, but of course also the corresponding organizations that fight against restrictions on freedom of expression—and a book ban of the kind I just described is precisely that—and we are vigorously, vigorously fighting back against it," Rabe said.
(Reporting by Cian Muenster and Emanuele Berro in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)
Key Takeaways
- •The U.S. now represents approximately 28 % of Bertelsmann’s revenue, up from about 14 % in 2011, highlighting its growing importance in the group’s business mix (en.wikipedia.org).
- •Bertelsmann has won every legal case decided so far against U.S. book bans, reinforcing its commitment to defend freedom of expression and access to literature (bertelsmann.com).
- •Penguin Random House, with support from other major publishers, has filed lawsuits—such as the joint suit against Iowa’s SF496 law—arguing such bans violate constitutional rights and that literature should remain accessible to all (bertelsmann.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Bertelsmann cranks up legal fight against US book bans as market grows
1Why is the US market important for Bertelsmann?
The US now accounts for 28% of Bertelsmann's revenue, up from 14% in 2011, making it a crucial part of the company’s growth.
2What legal action is Bertelsmann taking against book bans?
Bertelsmann is contesting the book bans in US courts and has so far won every decided legal case.
3Which Bertelsmann businesses contribute to its US growth?
Growth is driven by Penguin Random House, BMG, Arvato, and the education business Relias.
4How has Bertelsmann responded to book bans in the US?
Bertelsmann views fighting book bans as a duty and is vigorously challenging restrictions on freedom of expression in court.
