Pearson says sales fall in top markets

Pearson, the world’s biggest education company, said first-half underlying sales fell by more than expected, hit by declines in assessment revenue in the United States and the UK, its two top markets.

The company, which has issued a string of profit warnings as it struggles to cope with a downturn in its biggest markets, said that its underlying sales fell seven per cent to £1.87bn in the six months to June 30.