Authentic vs Fanatics

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.

Fanatics Collectibles to Open Its Second Global Flagship Store in Paris, Building on Record London Success

Fanatics Collectibles to open its second global flagship store in Paris, building on record London success. Also, Fanatics introduces Fanatics Sports & Casino: One App for fans to bet, trade or play, and renews trading card deal for UEFA Champions League.

Fanatics Renews Trading Card Deal Surrounding Men's And Women's UEFA Champions League Competitions

Fanatics Renews Trading Card Deal Surrounding Men's And Women's UEFA Champions League Competitions (September 2, 2026). Also, Fanatics Named Exclusive Retail Partner of the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Europe (August 18, 2026).

Clucky Alarm App Wakes Users with Crowing Rooster Missions

Clucky, a new iPhone alarm app for habitual snoozers, has launched, featuring a rooster wake-up sound and requiring users to complete missions to turn off the alarm. Founded by former Fanatics software engineer Adrian Angelo Abelarde, the app offers various alarm sounds and missions like math problems, memory games, and physical activities. It includes a stats section with a 'Rooster Report' and a 'Nest' feature for group wake-ups. The app is available on the App Store with a pro subscription at $39.99 per year, joining a category of challenge-based alarm apps like Alarmy and Awake.

• Clucky is a new alarm app for iPhone launched, featuring a crowing rooster sound.
• The app requires users to complete missions (e.g., math problems, memory games) to turn off the alarm.
• Clucky was founded by Adrian Angelo Abelarde, a former software engineer at Fanatics.