About DirectGroup

DirectGroup Bertelsmann is comprised of media clubs as well as bookstores and internet, publishing and distribution businesses. We serve our 15 million customers in 16 countries through all channels: via catalog, the Internet and through our network of around 650 club centers and bookstores.

Its clubs include renowned brands like Der Club in Germany, France Loisirs in France and Círculo de Lectores in Spain. DirectGroup is France’s second-biggest book retailer with its Chapitre.com brand, and No.1 in Portugal with Bertrand. In Spain, the Bertrand bookselling chain is being expanded to reflect the development of its sister company in Portugal.

DirectGroup also draws on its decades of direct-marketing expertise in the media business to sell other products to members and new groups of customers.

DirectGroup is wholly owned by Bertelsmann AG.

Some facts and figures: 

• Revenues 2008: € 1.55 billion
• Lines of business: Media clubs, book stores, online shops, publishers, distribution companies
• Employees: 11,161 (at 31 Dec 2008)
• Customers: More than 15 million customers and members
• Countries: 16
• Headquarters: Gütersloh, Germany

DirectGroup Bertelsmann's strategy

1. Fundamental overhaul of the club business models
2. Integration of our multi-channel organisations
3. Expansion of direct sales businesses

More information about DirectGroup's strategy is in our FAQ page and in our company presentation (see Downloads).

For an overview of all DirectGroup subsidiaries, please see the Companies page.

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