Authentic vs Endeavor

Mattel Investor Pushes for Sale or Merger

Ariel Investments, holding a 5.4% stake in Mattel, has urged the toy company's board to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, merger, or asset divestiture. In a letter to Mattel, Ariel's co-CEO John Rogers recommended retaining an independent financial advisor to evaluate options for maximizing shareholder value. This follows a similar push earlier in the year from Southeastern Asset Management. Mattel said it would consider the views expressed. The news comes amid reports that Authentic Brands Group has expressed interest in a takeover valuing Mattel at around $6 billion, though Mattel declined to comment on market speculation. The company reported a 10% rise in net sales to $1.1 billion in its latest quarter but posted a net loss. Mattel recently announced a new CEO, Roger Lynch, as part of its strategic transformation.

• Ariel Investments holds a 5.4% stake in Mattel and has urged the company to explore strategic alternatives.
• Ariel Investments recommends retaining an independent financial advisor to evaluate options.
• Authentic Brands Group has reportedly expressed interest in a takeover valuing Mattel at around $6 billion.

Ted Baker Marks Return to Standalone UK Retail with the Opening of Ted Baker Tailored

Authentic Brands Group announces the opening of Ted Baker Tailored, marking Ted Baker's return to standalone UK retail. Additionally, Authentic Brands Group partners with W Heritage Supply for Champion Pinnacle in the U.S. and Canada.

David Beckham receives $51 million dividend from DRJB Holdings

David Beckham's brand company DRJB Holdings paid him a $51 million dividend for 2025, following record revenue of $110.5 million and pre-tax profit of $65.7 million. The growth was fueled by multi-year brand deals with companies like Hugo Boss, Bank of America, McDonald's, Verizon, and PepsiCo's Lay's, prominently featured during the 2026 World Cup. Beckham holds 45% of DRJB, with the majority owned by Authentic Brands Group since 2022. The company also issued a special dividend of $61.6 million related to the World Cup.

• DRJB Holdings paid David Beckham $51.1 million in dividends for 2025.
• DRJB Holdings' revenue reached $110.5 million in 2025, up 20% from the previous year.
• Pre-tax profit rose 46% to $65.7 million, a record.

Endeavor Catalyst launches $320M Fund V, doubles down on Europe

Endeavor Catalyst, the venture capital arm of the global nonprofit Endeavor, has launched its fifth fund, Fund V, with $320 million in commitments, bringing total assets under management to over $850 million. The fund targets founders outside major tech hubs, with plans to make 40-50 investments annually, typically ranging from $1-3 million and not exceeding 10% of a round. About 90% of investments are outside the U.S., with Europe as the fastest-growing market, hosting over 90 investments across 10 European markets. The firm has backed 437 companies globally, including 83 unicorns, 39 exits, and 11 IPOs, with notable holdings like ElevenLabs and Checkout.com. The new fund has 400 limited partners, including Reid Hoffman and Bill Ackman, and repeat founders are expected to account for 20% of investments.

• Endeavor Catalyst launched Fund V with $320 million in commitments.
• Total assets under management exceed $850 million.
• About 90% of investments are outside the U.S., with Europe as the fastest-growing region.