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Shares in David Beckham-backed Guild Esports surged more than 54 per cent in early trading on Aug 5, after the gaming firm said it is planning to agree to a takeover offer from California-based investment management company DCB Sports. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed by Guild Esports, which last week said it was "actively exploring" a range of options to allow it to meet its short-term liabilities. Shares of the gaming firm, which debuted in late 2020 with a market capitalisation of £41.2 million (S$69.7 million), have slumped about 99% since then. "Should the transaction complete, DCB Sports will assume and run the Guild brand, backstop future working capital requirements for the private business, provide ongoing capital sufficient to allow it to operate on a stable financial platform," the London-listed company said in a statement. The potential transaction includes all its assets and assumption of liabilities, it said, adding that this would be DCB Sports' first investment in esports. Former England soccer captain Beckham is a founding shareholder and currently the sixth-largest in Guild with a 3.05 per cent stake, according to LSEG data. REUTERS