Media measurement performance – which Nielsen refers to as ‘Watch’ – was primarily driven by 4.7% growth in television measurement, but partially offset by “the ongoing exit of certain international online legacy products”, the company said.

Within the consumer research – or ‘Buy’ – segment, information services revenue increased 0.9% to $664m, while insights services increased 6.7% to $207m.

Operating income for Buy and Watch was $110m and $160m, respectively – with Watch down 7% on higher restructuring charges and an increase in retail measurement costs.

Nielsen CEO David Calhoun said: “Nielsen’s third quarter represented consistent revenue and profit growth driven by our ongoing commitment to innovation and global expansion. The quarter also marked the completion of the Arbitron acquisition, which has been rebranded as Nielsen Audio. The integration is progressing smoothly and we are excited about the opportunities that lay ahead as we feel confident the combined company will continue to drive incremental value for customers and shareholders.”