About DirectGroup

DirectGroup Bertelsmann operates media clubs as well as bookstores and Internet, publishing and distribution companies in 12 countries, and serves its roughly 14 million customers on all channels: through catalogs, the internet, club stores, retail outlets and agents.

The clubs include well-known brands such as Der Club in Germany, France Loisirs in France and Círculo de Lectores in Spain. The company also uses its decades of direct-marketing expertise to sell additional products to members and new customer groups. The DirectGroup brand Chapitre.com (France) is market leaders in on- and offline book retailing. In publishing, its subsidiaries in Eastern Europe and Portugal command leading market positions.

DirectGroup is wholly owned by Bertelsmann AG.

 Some facts and figures:

• Revenues 2009: € 1.245 billion
• Lines of business: Media clubs, book stores, online shops, publishers, distribution companies
• Employees: 10 087 (31 December 2009)
• Customers: More than 14 million customers and members
• Countries: 12
• 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
4. Development of e-reading and social-network 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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