The company said that constant currency growth and margin expansion occurred across its Buy and Watch segments.

Mitch Barns, CEO of Nielsen said: “We had new client wins in every region of the world in our Buy business, which grew 4.8% and had its fourth consecutive quarter of margin expansion, both on a constant currency basis. Our Watch segment grew 4.7% on a constant currency basis due to strength in both Audience Measurement and Marketing Effectiveness. We have strong momentum around Total Audience Measurement with Digital Content Ratings progressing well towards its fall launch. And by year end, Digital Ad Ratings will be available in 16 markets, covering 95% of global digital advertising spending.”

Revenues within the Buy segment (FMCG and retailer insight) decreased 5.3% (increased 4.8% on a constant currency basis) to $852m. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, Buy emerging markets revenue grew 9.3% with revenues in the developed markets up 2.8% on a constant currency basis.

Watch (media and advertising audience measurement) revenues increased 1.9% ( 4.7% on a constant currency basis) to $707m. The growth was driven by Audience Measurement and Marketing Effectiveness, which grew 5.1% and 21.7%, respectively, on a constant currency basis.