Authentic vs WHP Global

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.

LVMH revenue stagnates in Q3, China weighs

French luxury group LVMH reported revenue of €57.15 billion for the first nine months of 2026, a nominal decline of 2% year-over-year, but organic growth of 2%. In Q3, organic growth slowed to 1%, with weakness in China impacting the Fashion & Leather Goods division, which saw organic sales drop 5% in the quarter. Growth was driven by Watches & Jewelry (organic +8% in nine months) and Selective Retailing (organic +6%), notably Sephora. Currency effects negatively impacted reported revenue by 3 percentage points. The company divested Marc Jacobs to WHP Global on September 1, 2026. Despite uncertainties, LVMH plans to continue investing in product development and retail concepts.

• LVMH reported revenue of €57.15 billion for the first nine months of 2026, down 2% nominally but up 2% organically year-over-year.
• Q3 organic growth slowed to 1%, with Fashion & Leather Goods declining 5% organically due to weak demand in China.
• Watches & Jewelry grew 8% organically in nine months, while Selective Retailing grew 6%, driven by Sephora.

Rag & Bone Steps Up European Expansion, Starting With Paris Flagship

WHP Global's brand news page now features two new stories: Rag & Bone's European expansion with a Paris flagship, and a G-Star collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan.

WHP Global & G-III Complete Acquisition of Marc Jacobs

WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group have completed the acquisition of Marc Jacobs, marking a major milestone in the company's portfolio expansion.