Its Watch segment was cited has being particularly strong for the business with the company improving its Total Audience Measurement system and pushing client adoption. Watch revenues increased 11.9%, or 11.7% on a constant currency basis, to $3.34bn.

Revenues within the Buy segment decreased 2.7%, or 3.3% on a constant currency basis, to $3.23bn. Buy emerging markets revenues increased 9.5% but decreased 4.6% in developed markets.

Mitch Barns, chief executive officer of Nielsen, said: “We executed well on our key initiatives in Watch and Buy while contending with rapidly changing markets in 2017. In 2018, we’ll continue to invest in innovation to drive growth and efficiency as we proceed on the path towards 2020.”

He added: “In Buy, we remain well positioned in emerging markets. In developed markets, the US remains under pressure as clients persist in seeking efficiencies in their own businesses in a difficult growth environment.”