It has been reported that Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is to take a majority stake in David Beckham's brand management company DB Ventures. The US-based group, which is the parent of brands such as Juicy Couture, Forever 21 and Reebok, is said to be paying approximately £200 million for the 55% stake, according to the Mail On Sunday.

DB Ventures includes the former football star's endorsement deals with Tudor watches, his Haig whisky brand and his deal to become the face of the Qatar World Cup. The deal will remove debt from the business, remove some business partners and free up capital. It will also give Beckham a platform from which to break into the US market.