Pearson, the publisher for the Financial Times newspaper has just announced surprising profits and sales for the first three quarters of 2009. Despite difficult trading conditions, Pearson claim profits and sales of around one fifth more than the same period last year.

The Pearson group also owns the Penguin publishing company and both this and the FT Group are benefiting from Persons investments in new digital products and emerging markets.

Marjorie Scardino, Chief executive stated that:

“The group had weathered the tough economic climate with the help of cost-cutting, innovation and expansion into new markets”.

This can only be good news for both the FT and Penguin as most businesses have struggled of late due to the current economic crisis.