Revenue for the first three months increased 2.5% year-on-year on a reported basis, 1.3% on a constant currency basis and 2.3% on an organic basis.

The company completed the sale of Nielsen Global Connect in March. The sale of the business for $2.4bn resulted in a $542m preliminary gain, net of taxes, and Nielsen used £2.28bn of the net proceeds to pay down debt.

Global Connect, formerly Nielsen’s ‘Buy’ division, provided data for consumer-packaged goods manufacturers and retailers. The business has renamed to NielsenIQ.

Nielsen’s net income grew to $106m in the first quarter, up from $56m in the first three months of 2020. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before income, tax, depreciation and amortisation) was $388m, up 19% on a reported basis compared with Q1 2020.

Revenue from audience measurement was $632m, a 2.8% increase on a reported basis compared with the previous year. Nielsen said growth was most notable in digital measurement.

The company’s revenues from outcomes and content also increased 1.8% to $231m.

In Nielsen’s quarterly results statement, David Kenny, chief executive at Nielsen (pictured), said the company is now "singularly focused" on "data, measurement, and analytics".

He added: "We are investing in our future and we are well-positioned to drive new growth from new solutions across all of our end markets globally. 

"In particular, we are pleased with the advances we've made in Audience Measurement, Outcomes and Gracenote Content Services."