David Beckham Products Go To China Under Hong Kong Global Brands Venture

David Beckham-branded products "are set to head to China" when his Hong Kong joint venture partner rolls out its goods in a few months, according to Billy Chan of BLOOMBERG. Global Brands Group Holding Ltd. CEO Bruce Rockowitz said that the venture "will focus on developing Beckham-branded consumer products including sportswear, footwear, casual-wear, hi-tech and skincare." He said that the company "aims to build this into a multi-billion dollar business in five years." Rockowitz said Beckham "has a huge following in China as he has almost 100 percent recognition." He added, "When we launch something, it most likely will be global, but China will be part of that in a big way. We are in the middle of finalizing everything." Shares of Global Brands surged 12% to close at HK$1.37 ($0.18) in Hong Kong trading on Friday, "the biggest gain since July 24 last year." The benchmark Hang Seng Index "was little changed" (BLOOMBERG, 3/27).