Arbitron helps Nielsen to 12.9% growth in first-quarter revenue

The performance boost was in large part due to the acquisition of Arbitron, the radio ratings firm, whose ongoing integration was described by Nielsen CEO Mitch Barns (pictured) as “successful”.

Stripping out the impact of Arbitron, and Harris Interactive (which Nielsen acquired in February), revenue increased by 2.8%, or 4.8% on a constant currency basis.

The company’s consumer research segment, Buy, grew 3.2%, or 5.9% on a constant currency basis, to $837m. Excluding Harris, revenue grew 3.9% on a constant currency basis. Information services revenue grew 4% and insights revenue grew 13.8%, both on a constant currency basis.

Revenues within the media measurement arm, Watch, increased 28.3%, or 29.4% on a constant currency basis, to $652m. Excluding Arbitron, Watch revenues increased 5.3% ( 6.2% on a constant currency basis).