Publisher Pearson forecasts 'good' revenue growth

British publisher Pearson, owner of the Financial Times newspaper, said on Monday that it experienced "good" revenue growth and steady profits in 2012, ahead of next month's annual results statement. "For 2012 as a whole we expect to report good revenue growth at constant exchange rates (and) operating profit of approximately £935 million ($1.48 billion, 1.1 billion euros)," Pearson said in a trading update. That compared with operating profit of £945 million in the group's 2011 financial year. "In general, Pearson's businesses continue to face tough market conditions and structural industry change which we see continuing into 2013," Pearson added in the statement issued ahead of its annual results on February 25. "The company continues to gain share in key markets and to benefit from its investments in digital services and developing economies. "Market conditions remained weak, as expected, in the key fourth-quarter selling season for higher education, consumer publishing and corporate advertising." However, Pearson's share price fell in response in response to the flat profit outlook. Shares slid 2.26 percent to 1,210 pence in morning London deals on the FTSE 100 index of top companies, which was 0.35 percent higher at 6,175.73 points.