Bitcoin News: David Beckham-Backed Prenetics Halts Treasury Plans Amid ‘Crypto Winter’ Concerns

After months of price weakness in the crypto market, Prenetics has announced a pause on its Bitcoin treasury policy. The health science company is backed by retired soccer star David Beckham.

The company confirmed that it had ceased purchasing Bitcoin since December 4 as part of a strategic review. The shift indicates an increasing caution among corporate companies that have been amassing digital assets during better market conditions.

Is Corporate Bitcoin Adoption Slowing? 

The company claimed the move aims at safeguarding long-term shareholder value in the present slump. The management indicated that the investment will be diverted to IM8, which is its nutrition brand associated with David Beckham.

The company believes there’s a better growth visibility in its consumer business compared to further exposure to BTC at this point. Prenetics had earlier in the year started purchasing Bitcoin at the time that digital asset treasury strategies were gaining momentum.

Some firms had raised funds to acquire cryptocurrencies as part of a treasury diversification. However, this tendency decreased as crypto prices decreased dramatically in October and the sentiment in the market was shattered. Hence, most companies started reevaluating their treasury risk as the volatility continues.

Nevertheless, there is continued accumulation by some Digital Asset Treasury companies. For example, Strategy Inc increased its Bitcoin holdings this week.

Although it ceased purchasing more BTC, Prenetics is not selling its current holdings. It is currently in possession of 510 BTC, worth approximately $44.8 million at the time of writing.

Is Bitcoin Treasury Strategy Changing As A Result Of Market Pressure? 

The change shows how market pressure has caused a drop in the enthusiasm for Bitcoin adoption by corporations. Treasury accumulation models proved to be enticing as price rose and demand from investor became stronger.

However, the recent downturn has forced leadership teams to be more cautious with how they spend investor funds.   Still, institutional market sentiment is still affected by global policies. This was seen recently when the Bank of Russia stated it would allow investors buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Based on the announcement, the latest decision by Prenetics suggests disciplined financial planning amid uncertain circumstances. The announcement also indicates there could be a gradual decline in digital-asset treasury projects.

Bitcoin Uncertainty Is Not Affecting Investor Confidence

IM8 forms the core of renewed growth policy of Prenetics. Hence, the concept of consumer wellness brand is still being given increasing operation and investment priorities. The company feels it is better to focus on its core business to create superior value to the shareholders in this frame of time.

The reaction in the market has been quite stable after the announcement. TradingView shows Prenetics stock as having traded at close to $16.42 as at the end of the trading session with a minor intraday gain.

The stock has increased by over 189% since the start of the year although it has experienced a minor pullback in the last five days. It implies that investors trust the company to continue with its core operating business model despite the reduction of its direct exposure to crypto.

Also, there are analysts who still predict that more declines in Bitcoin price. A leading market commentator, Peter Schiff, warned of bearish Bitcoin price over the long-term.

Broader research outlooks also highlight uncertainty in near-term performance. Investment strategy firm Fundstrat recently predicted that BTC price could drop as low as $60,000 in Q1 2026.