By Peter Lloyd For Mailonline
Published: 04:58 EST, 10 August 2014 | Updated: 08:36 EST, 10 August 2014
They've already amassed an impressive wealth.
However, the young men of One Direction are clearly keen for more after reports they're encouraging their fans support chart rivals 5 Seconds of Summer - because they have a stake in the band.
In a report by The Mirror, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson are directors of the company which registered the band's trademark.
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One Direction band members Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan
Documents found by the newspaper show they, along with bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan, own 'a 50 per cent stake in the profits with a 10 per cent share each in the company'.
The news may irritate fans after being encouraged to support them by the chart-toppers.
The Australian act- Calum Hood, 18, Michael Clifford, 18, Luke Hemmings, 18, and Ashton Irwin, 20 - are frequently mentioned in their tweets and have featured on their sold-out world arena tour.
Earlier this year Louis tweeted: 'Hearing @5SOS on the radio is a great way to start the day. Proud of you lads!!'. At the same time Liam tweeted: 'New @5SOS single 'Don't Stop' is out now! Loving the track guys, go check it out.'
Chart rivals: Michael Clifford, Luke Hemmings, and Calum Hood of 5 Seconds of Summer
This happened in February - just eight weeks after the deal between them was brokered.
A short time later Niall also shared a message about the band, insisting fans to watch a video for their first single Out of My Limit.
Clearly, the plan has worked because the band recently topped the Billboard 100 in America, which is considered the ultimate success chart.
A spokesman for 1D responded by saying: 'We do not comment on the band's finances.'
Money-spinners: The boys have already amassed an impressive fortune
A spokesperson for One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer have been contacted by MailOnline, but are yet to respond.
One Direction kicked off the North American leg of their Where We Are tour at Toronto's Rogers Centre recently before heading to New Jersey.
Calum Hood of 5 Seconds of Summer performs onstage during the Where We Are tour at Met Life Stadium in New York City
Incentive: Michael Clifford of 5 Seconds of Summer performs onstage
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