Bertelsmann expands its defined growth businesses – TV production, the digital activities of RTL Group and G+J, BMG, services such as Arvato SCM and Arvato Financial Solutions, and the education business – with targeted investments. For instance, in 2018, Bertelsmann acquires OnCourse Learning, a U.S. provider specializing in digital education in the healthcare sector, and merges it with its e-learning subsidiary Relias.
The Group grows its global network of startups as well. At the beginning of 2018, Bertelsmann Investments owns stakes in more than 160 innovative start-ups and investment funds in the U.S., Europe, South America, and Asia. Two years later, the number of investments has already risen to 230.
A strong partner for Arvato’s global customer relationship management business is found Morocco’s Saham Group. A new company is created, which, with 48,000 employees worldwide and revenues of €1.2 billion, commands leading market positions in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East from the start. The new CRM group, of which Bertelsmann and Saham each own 50 percent, officially launches in 2019 as “Majorel."
Digital upskilling is a high priority: Together with Google, Bertelsmann awards 15,000 scholarships worldwide for Udacity courses in Data Science.