ARNAUD LAGARDÈRE
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hachette Livre
What were the key highlights of 2025?
“Building on the momentum of previous years, 2025 was characterised by robust growth despite a challenging economic backdrop. This performance was driven by major global editorial successes, including the new Asterix album, which outperformed its predecessor, and the some 180 literary awards that we won worldwide. Lagardère Publishing also reached a historic milestone by becoming the third-largest player in the US market (excluding Education). Lastly, the Partworks segment, in which we are joint world leader, and the Board Games unit both demonstrated continued vitality.
At the same time, we consolidated our positions through strategic acquisitions, including Ducasse Édition, the Le Routard brand and Dutch games distributor 999 Games.
These results, made possible by the talent and unfailing commitment of all our employees, confirm our leadership and the robustness of our business model across all markets.”
Which major CSR initiatives were rolled out in 2025?
“During the year, our subsidiaries all ramped up their efforts to promote reading through a range of initiatives. Our Foundation supported 11 projects led by French non-profits dedicated to improving access to books, culture and education. Additionally, the Raising Readers programme was rolled out in the United Kingdom and the United States to help adults pass on a love of reading to children.
On the environmental front, Lagardère Publishing continued to implement its eco-design programme. In France, a new Eco-design Week was held to encourage and accelerate the adoption of best practices by showcasing concrete initiatives led by our teams. This programme was extended internationally with Green Shoots, Hachette UK’s first-ever eco-challenge. Initiatives of this nature contribute directly to meeting our environmental trajectory commitments.”
What is the outlook for 2026?
“2026 marks a historic milestone for Hachette Livre as it celebrates its bicentenary. Two centuries after its founding, our Group is entering this new chapter with the energy of a global industry leader that is stronger than ever. The year will feature celebrations of this heritage – a symbol of boldness and passion dedicated to culture and knowledge. This bicentenary also reaffirms the relevance and durability of our model, which remains focused on innovation and international influence.
In business terms, we anticipate contrasting results in the absence of a new Asterix release or curriculum reform in Spain, although we expect to benefit from ongoing middle school educational reform in France. In an uncertain economic climate, Lagardère Publishing will maintain disciplined operational management while giving its editorial teams full creative freedom to seize every growth opportunity across our markets. Lastly, our strategy of targeted acquisitions will continue in publishing and adjacent sectors such as Board Games.”