AB
Kerry Packer dies
27dec05
AUSTRALIA'S richest man, the media magnate Kerry Packer, has died.
His death overnight was announced at the end of the Today show on his Nine Network just before 9am (AEDT). Today presenter Richard Wilkins said he had just been handed official confirmation of Mr Packer's death at 68.
He said a statement from Tony Ritchie, Nine head of news, said: "Mrs Kerry Packer and her children James and Gretel sadly report the passing last evening of her husband and their father Kerry.
"He died peacefully at home with his family at his bedside.
"He will be lovingly remembered and missed enormously. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced.''
Mr Packer had suffered major health problems, including suffering a heart attack while playing polo at Warwick Farm in Sydney in 1990.
He underwent a heart bypass surgery later that year, but had a second heart attack in 1995.
In November 22, 2000 he received a transplanted kidney donated by pilot and friend Nicholas Ross.
Mr Packer controlled an empire which ranged from magazines and television networks to petrochemicals, heavy engineering, ski resorts, rural properties, diamond exploration, coalmines, supermarket coupons and casinos.
Mr Packer headed BRW magazines list of Australia's most prodigious moneymakers with a personal wealth of $6.9 billion.
He was also the country's biggest punter, wagering millions at a time at racetracks and casinos, and one of its toughest and shrewdest business operators. He once netted over $700 million by selling Channel Nine to Alan Bond, then buying it back from him three years later.
He turned the cricket world upside down with his World Series revolution in 1977, which ended with him getting what he wanted in the first place - the rights to televise top matches.
© The Australian
27dec05
AUSTRALIA'S richest man, the media magnate Kerry Packer, has died.
His death overnight was announced at the end of the Today show on his Nine Network just before 9am (AEDT). Today presenter Richard Wilkins said he had just been handed official confirmation of Mr Packer's death at 68.
He said a statement from Tony Ritchie, Nine head of news, said: "Mrs Kerry Packer and her children James and Gretel sadly report the passing last evening of her husband and their father Kerry.
"He died peacefully at home with his family at his bedside.
"He will be lovingly remembered and missed enormously. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced.''
Mr Packer had suffered major health problems, including suffering a heart attack while playing polo at Warwick Farm in Sydney in 1990.
He underwent a heart bypass surgery later that year, but had a second heart attack in 1995.
In November 22, 2000 he received a transplanted kidney donated by pilot and friend Nicholas Ross.
Mr Packer controlled an empire which ranged from magazines and television networks to petrochemicals, heavy engineering, ski resorts, rural properties, diamond exploration, coalmines, supermarket coupons and casinos.
Mr Packer headed BRW magazines list of Australia's most prodigious moneymakers with a personal wealth of $6.9 billion.
He was also the country's biggest punter, wagering millions at a time at racetracks and casinos, and one of its toughest and shrewdest business operators. He once netted over $700 million by selling Channel Nine to Alan Bond, then buying it back from him three years later.
He turned the cricket world upside down with his World Series revolution in 1977, which ended with him getting what he wanted in the first place - the rights to televise top matches.
© The Australian