¨C About an hour after the death of Stanley Ho, the billionaire who built the Chinese territory of Macao into the world¡¯s biggest gambling hub, his large clan gathered in front of the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital to break the news. They were also there to send a clear message of unity.
The 98-year-old tycoon fathered 16 recognized children with four women he considered wives. Outside the hospital in front of cameras and journalists, it was Pansy Ho ¡ª the 57-year-old eldest daughter of his second wife ¡ª who was given the honor of announcing his passing as they flanked her.
Ho, a former socialite, is already chairman of one of Macao¡¯s biggest conglomerates and co-chairman of casino operator MGM China Holdings Ltd., having become her father¡¯s favored successor years ago.
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