MUMBAI: European media company RTL Group has reported results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2013. It reported operating income (EBITA) of ?207 million, up 8.4 per cent, primarily driven by Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland. In India the company has a JV with RBNL.

Revenue was up by 0.5 per cent to ?1.3 billion. This reflects slightly higher revenue at Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland and the sale of the Handball World Cup rights in January 2013 by UFA Sports.

However television format creator and distributor FremantleMedia?s revenue decreased to ?303 million, mainly due to phasing effects in Germany, the UK, Australia and at Radical Media. Accordingly, EBITA decreased to ?10 million

Net profit attributable to RTL Group shareholders increased by 18.7 per cent to ?133 million, mainly reflecting higher operating profit and a partial reversal of an impairment on RTL Group?s shareholding in the Spanish broadcasting company Atresmedia (formerly Grupo Antena 3)

Net cash from operating activities was ?327 million, resulting in an operating cash conversion of 164 per cent. The company adds that ad market conditions in the first quarter remained challenging, in line with local macro-economic developments. Looking across the Group?s larger markets, RTL Group estimates that only the German TV advertising market was up by 1.3 per cent, while other markets were down.

Outlook: At the beginning of the second quarter, ad market conditions continued to be challenging, with negative growth in all of RTL Group?s core markets. As reported previously - at the time the full year results for 2012 were announced - there is a degree of uncertainty as to the further development of the general market conditions and therefore as to whether the profit for the full year will reach the same level as in 2012.

RTL Group co-CEOs Anke Sch?ferkordt and Guillaume de Posch said, "We?ve had a solid start to the year, with our best ever first quarter EBITA and high levels of net profit and cash conversion. Performance in Germany has been particularly strong and our other businesses are resilient facing the current economic conditions."

"Given this environment, RTL Group has a clear focus on maintaining its leadership positions and delivering financially while pursuing opportunities in broadcasting, content and digital which will develop the business further in future years," he further stated.