LONDON, May 16 (Reuters) – David Beckham’s easy charm and image as a family man will ensure the brand built up by Britain’s richest sportsman will prosper long after the end of his playing days.

The former England captain, 38, said on Thursday he was retiring from professional soccer after a brief encore in Europe with Qatari-owned Paris St Germain, the French champions.

LONDON (Reuters) – Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners has ended a 1 billion pound ($1.5 billion) attempt to buy online betting exchange Betfair (BETF.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) after the two companies failed to agree on price and strategy.

Betfair shares fell 3.5 percent to 864 pence on Tuesday after the company said it had rejected an improved 950 pence a share bid proposal from CVC, the largest shareholder in Formula One motor racing.

BARCELONA (Reuters) – Barcelona is ready to deal a blow to fellow Spanish city Valencia’s hopes of a return to the Formula One calendar next year, the head of its Circuit de Catalunya said on Saturday.

The track’s director general Salvador Servia played down suggestions that Barcelona, which has hosted an annual grand prix since 1991, would be forced to alternate with Valencia, which has been dropped from the schedule this season.

BARCELONA, May 11 (Reuters) – Barcelona is ready to deal a blow to fellow Spanish city Valencia’s hopes of a return to the Formula One calendar next year, the head of its Circuit de Catalunya said on Saturday.

The track’s director general Salvador Servia played down suggestions that Barcelona, which has hosted an annual grand prix since 1991, would be forced to alternate with Valencia, which has been dropped from the schedule this season.