Overall, revenue for the first nine months of the year was also up by 1%, rising from $4.111bn to $4.148bn.

Net income reached $234m for the first nine months of the year compared to a loss of $9m over the same period in 2011. The figures for the first nine months of 2011 included charges of $206m associated with the firm’s IPO.

For the third quarter, adjusted net income was up from $181m in 2011 to $200m this year, and rose from $400m to $470m for the nine month period.

CEO David Calhoun (pictured) said: “Nielsen had solid performance in the third quarter, with healthy growth in recurring revenue and margin expansion. Our resilience given today’s economic environment demonstrates the value we deliver to clients, and we will continue to invest to support their global business priorities.”