Largest publishers in the world in 2025

10 Largest Publishers in the World in 2025

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Table of Contents

Introduction

As of 2025, the global publishing industry continues to be shaped by a few dominant companies that have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation in a competitive and ever-evolving market. Below, we examine the ten largest publishers in the world in 2025, ranked by their most recent reported revenues.

These publishing giants operate across a range of sectors, including trade, educational, academic, and professional publishing. Through strategic investments, technological advancements, and a focus on meeting the needs of diverse audiences, these companies have cemented their positions as leaders in the industry. 

1. RELX Group (United Kingdom) – $6.3 billion

At the top of the list is RELX Group, a company headquartered in London that has maintained its position as the world’s largest publisher for several years. RELX specializes in scientific, technical, and medical (STM) publications alongside legal and business information services. Its flagship products, such as the Lancet medical journal and the LexisNexis legal database, have become indispensable tools for professionals in these fields. 

The company’s continued investment in artificial intelligence and analytics platforms has allowed it to provide cutting-edge tools for research and decision-making, ensuring its dominance in the highly specialized STM publishing sector. RELX has also been at the forefront of promoting open access publishing, which has further cemented its reputation as a leader in scientific research dissemination.

2. Thomson Reuters (Canada) – $6.05 billion

Thomson Reuters, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is a globally recognized provider of news and professional information services. The company’s products cater primarily to businesses, legal professionals, and governmental organizations. Its flagship platform, Westlaw, remains one of the most trusted tools for legal research worldwide, while its Reuters news division delivers timely and reliable information to media outlets and other industries. 

Over the years, Thomson Reuters has leveraged advanced technologies, such as machine learning and big data analytics, to offer innovative solutions tailored to its clients’ needs. This adaptability has allowed the company to remain competitive in a rapidly changing information landscape.

3. Bertelsmann (Germany) – $5.99 billion

Bertelsmann, the German media powerhouse, is a leader in both trade and educational publishing. Its publishing division includes Penguin Random House, the largest trade book publisher in the world, known for publishing bestsellers by some of the most renowned authors across various genres. 

Bertelsmann’s influence extends beyond trade publishing, as the company has also made strategic investments in the education sector, particularly in digital learning tools. The company’s global presence and diverse portfolio have made it a key player in shaping the future of publishing. With a strong focus on sustainability, Bertelsmann has also pledged to reduce its environmental footprint, setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility in the industry.

4. Pearson (United Kingdom) – $4.68 billion

Pearson, headquartered in London, is synonymous with educational publishing. The company specializes in creating textbooks, digital learning platforms, and assessment tools widely used in schools, universities, and corporate training programs. Pearson’s digital transformation has been a major driver of its success, as the company has shifted its focus from traditional print textbooks to interactive online learning solutions like MyLab and Revel. 

These platforms provide personalized learning experiences for students and have gained widespread popularity in the education sector. Pearson’s commitment to innovation in education has ensured its continued relevance in an era of rapid technological advancement.

5. Wolters Kluwer (Netherlands) – $4.26 billion

Based in the Netherlands, Wolters Kluwer is a leader in providing professional information services to industries such as healthcare, tax, accounting, and legal services. Its products, including the UpToDate clinical decision support tool and CCH tax compliance software, are trusted by professionals around the globe. 

Wolters Kluwer’s success can be attributed to its ability to integrate advanced technology into its offerings, enabling clients to make informed decisions more efficiently. The company has also been a strong advocate for digital transformation, with over 90% of its revenue now coming from digital and service-based products.

6. Hachette Livre (France) – $3.11 billion

Hachette Livre, headquartered in Paris, is one of the largest trade publishers in the world. The company publishes a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles under various imprints, including Little, Brown and Company, Grand Central Publishing, and Orbit. 

Hachette Livre’s catalog features works by some of the most celebrated authors, and its ability to adapt to market trends has allowed it to maintain a strong presence in both print and digital publishing. The company has also made significant strides in expanding its global distribution networks, enabling it to reach readers in diverse markets.

7. Hitotsubashi Group (Japan) – $2.26 billion

The Japanese publisher Hitotsubashi Group has emerged as a key player in the global publishing industry, particularly after consolidating its holdings, which include Shueisha and Shogakukan. These two publishers are known for their dominance in the manga and entertainment publishing sectors. 

Iconic titles such as One Piece and Naruto have become global phenomena, driving the company’s revenue growth. In addition to its success in entertainment publishing, Hitotsubashi Group has been focusing on expanding its digital offerings to cater to younger, tech-savvy audiences.

8. Springer Nature (Germany) – $2.05 billion

Springer Nature, based in Germany, is a leading academic and scientific publisher. Known for its prestigious journals like Nature and Scientific American, the company has been at the forefront of open-access publishing. 

Springer Nature’s commitment to making scientific research more accessible has positioned it as a trusted partner for the global academic community. The company has also invested heavily in digital tools that support researchers, such as advanced data analytics platforms and online collaboration tools.

9. Wiley (United States) – $2.02 billion

Wiley, headquartered in the United States, is a diverse publisher that offers academic journals, educational resources, and professional development materials. The company is widely respected in the academic world for its contributions to STEM research, as well as its focus on lifelong learning. 

Largest publishers in the world in 2025

Wiley’s partnerships with institutions and corporations have enabled it to expand its influence in both the education and corporate training sectors. Its growing portfolio of digital tools, such as WileyPLUS, demonstrates its commitment to adapting to the needs of modern learners and professionals.

10. HarperCollins (United States) – $1.98 billion

Rounding out the list is HarperCollins, one of the largest trade publishers in the world. Based in the United States, HarperCollins publishes a broad range of books across genres, from fiction and non-fiction to children’s literature and cookbooks. 

With imprints like Harper, William Morrow, and Avon, the company has built a strong brand that resonates with readers worldwide. HarperCollins has also been a pioneer in exploring new markets and platforms, such as audiobooks and e-books, ensuring its continued growth in a competitive industry.

Conclusion

The ten largest publishers in the world in 2025 have demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. By embracing innovation and expanding their global reach, these companies have cemented their roles as leaders in disseminating knowledge and culture. Whether through traditional print media or cutting-edge digital platforms, these publishers remain at the forefront of shaping how information is created, shared, and consumed in today’s interconnected world.

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