Bertelsmann – Germany

Bertelsmann: A Brief Overview

Legal Structure and Ownership

From 1971 to 2012, Bertelsmann operated as a joint stock company under German law (Aktiengesellschaft). In 2012, it transformed into a partnership limited by shares (Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien), with the general partner being a European stock corporation (Societas Europaea). This transformation aimed to attract investors and facilitate additional growth financing. Although the change in legal structure was seen as a significant shift that could enable the company to go public, this move was not fully implemented.

The new legal entity did not alter the ownership of Bertelsmann. The Mohn family, through strategic planning in the 1970s and 1980s, established foundations to hold the majority of shares. Since 1993, the majority ownership has been maintained by these foundations. The Mohn family currently holds 19.1% of the shares, while the Bertelsmann Stiftung, Reinhard Mohn Stiftung, and BVG Stiftung collectively own 80.9%. The BVG has significant influence as it consolidates all voting rights of the Mohn family and the foundations, ensuring 100% control in general assemblies of the group company and its general partner.

Management and Leadership

Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA is managed by Bertelsmann Management SE. The executive board is chaired by Thomas Rabe, with other members including Markus Dohle, Immanuel Hermreck, Bernd Hirsch, and Anke Schäferkordt. In 2012, the company established the Group Management Committee to advise the executive board on significant matters. Notably, this committee includes a relatively high number of women, reflecting the company's commitment to diversity in leadership.

Bertelsmann's strategic transformation in its legal structure and its solid ownership foundation have played key roles in its stability and growth. Managed by a diverse and capable leadership team, the company continues to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape while maintaining its foundational principles and ownership continuity.