Nielsen has reported a 3% rise in revenue to $1.3 billion for the first quarter ended March 31. Growth was fairly even in its Buy consumer purchase behavior segment (up 2.7% to $800m)and its Watch media research division (up 2.6% to $480m).

A year ago, Q1 2011 saw a much larger rise, with group revenue up 8.9%, thanks to rises of 9.8% and 6.4% respectively in the Buy and Watch segments. However, net income for Q1 2012 was $25m compared with a net loss of $181m in the prior year period, which the firm says was mainly driven by charges of $206m, net of tax, associated with its IPO.

Adjusted net income for the first quarter increased to $113m, compared with $64m in the first quarter of 2011, as a result of a net $34m reduction in interest expense stemming from debt retirements and growth in adjusted EBITDA.

CEO David Calhoun comments: ‘Nielsen delivered solid first quarter results, with continued growth in developing markets and steady performance across our businesses. We have great confidence about our investments in growth, our ability to deliver value to clients and our outlook for 2012.’

In March, Nielsen completed a secondary IPO of 34.5 million shares of its common stock, but claims that the offering did not have a significant impact on its operating results or financial position.

Web site: www.nielsen.com .

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