007 boosts Penguin sales
The new James Bond novel was one of a string of bestsellers at home and abroad that boosted profits at publisher Penguin and parent company Pearson.
Sebastian Faulks’ 007 tale, Devil May Care, has sold 300,000 — Penguin’s fastest-selling UK hardback — and helped a 28 per cent profit rise to £26million at Penguin in the first half of the year.
Penguin expects a strong second half, with Christmas hits by Jamie Oliver, Twiggy and the new Top Gear annual.
Pearson’s education arm — its biggest business, providing textbooks and exam-testing services — increased profits
4 per cent to £1.1billion. It makes most of its money in the second half.
Chief executive Dame Marjorie Scardino said the division was benefiting from increased internet use alongside traditional books.
Group half-year pre-tax profits rose £20million to £55million on sales up 14 per cent to £1.96billion Pearson shares rose 10dp to 606p.