The Daily Telegraph - Saturday
Business is booming for Beckham – David, that is
DAVID BECKHAM’S sprawling business empire boomed last year after striking lucrative deals with Netflix and the Qatar World Cup, while his wife’s fashion company continues to require shareholder support.
Revenues more than doubled across David Beckham’s brand network to hit £72.6m in 2022, compared to £34.3m a year earlier.
His business, known as DRJB Holdings, covers nearly all of the David Beckham businesses, including his sponsorship deals and brand partnerships.
It is now majority owned by USbased Authentic Brands Group, although the former footballer still owns a substantial stake.
The latest accounts are understood to include Mr Beckham’s deal to act as an ambassador for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which sparked heavy criticism from human rights and LGBT groups.
Branding experts had cautioned the move, warning it would tarnish Mr
‘This is just be beginning. I have lots of ambitions and never wait for things to fall into my lap’ Beckham’s reputation given his status as an ally for the LGBT community.
Figures also include earnings from the Beckham Netflix series released earlier this year.
DRJB Holdings said it had “expanded the reach and commercialisation of the David Beckham brand” in 2022, with further opportunities “throughout 2023 and beyond”.
However, while his business has thrived, his wife Victoria’s fashion business is still battling to turn a profit.
In the latest set of accounts, the former Spice Girl’s designer label revealed it remained loss-making in 2022.
Losses before tax came in at £3.1m for the year, although this was down from £5.9m in 2021 thanks to a 43pc jump in revenues.
The company said it was making progress on profitability and posted a positive adjusted earnings figure.
Despite this, it said more shareholder support will be needed to restore profits, which comes after a £6.9m injection earlier this year.
Both Mr and Mrs Beckham are shareholders in the fashion brand, alongside private equity firm Neo Investment Partners. It is understood all parties are willing to support the company.
Mrs Beckham said earlier this year of the designer line: “This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions and never wait for things to fall into my lap.”