What's Happening?
ThomsonReuters has become the world's largest book publisher, surpassing RELX Group. The Canadian-based legal and professional publisher reported a 6% increase in revenue for 2024, totaling $6.43 billion.
RELX Group, previously holding the top spot, experienced a slight decline in sales, falling 1% to $6.2 billion. McGraw Hill has re-entered the top 10 publishers list after returning to public markets, reporting $2.10 billion in sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Other notable publishers in the top 10 include Bertelsmann, Lagardère's Hachette Livre, and HarperCollins.
Why It's Important?
The shift in rankings among the world's largest publishers highlights the dynamic nature of the publishing industry, with significant implications for market competition and strategic positioning. ThomsonReuters' rise reflects the growing importance of legal and professional publishing, while McGraw Hill's return underscores the impact of financial transparency on market presence. These changes may influence publishing strategies, investment decisions, and the focus on digital and educational content, affecting stakeholders across the industry.