Bernard Matthews leaves fortune to Dutch lovechild
Yesterday, 04:01 pm
Yahoo! UK News
Bernard Matthews left the bulk of his ?40million fortune to his Dutch lovechild, according to probate records released yesterday. Skip related content
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Bernard Matthews leaves fortune to Dutch lovechild Enlarge photo
His only biological heir, Frederick Elgershuizen, 29, will inherit all but one percent of the secretive turkey tycoon's 39 per cent stake in the poultry business. He left the remaining per cent to long time personal assistant Carolyn Claussen.
The intensely private Matthews, who died aged 80 on 25 November last year after suffering from Alzheimer's, once described his private life as 'complicated'.
Internet entrepreneur Frederick was the result of the businessman's eight-year affair with Dutch aristocrat Cornelia Elgershuizen, which began in the 1975 and caused Matthews to separate from his childhood sweetheart wife, Joyce.
Despite living apart for 35 years, they never divorced and Mrs. Matthews remained an integral part of her husband's business empire. She already had a 32 per cent share in the company.
Another 23 per cent is held in a family trust, with the remaining six per cent belonging to company executives.
Mathews broke up with Ms Elgershuizen in 1983 after falling for American model Natalie McCray. Cornelia moved back to Holland with her son and died in 2004.
The will also shows that the poultry magnate left ?1 million to Odile Merteyn, a woman described as Mathews' 'long-term partner' by a spokesman.
Despite these complicated arrangements, the company insist there will be no disputes between the family and the other shareholders. However it is reported Frederick stood alone at his father's funeral.
Noel Bartram, chief executive of Bernard Matthews said in a statement: "The company continues to be a family-owned business, managed by its board in the interest of all its shareholders."
Bernard Mathews became Europe's biggest turkey producer in the 1970s and the owner became famous for using the company's 'bootiful' catchphrase in adverts.
Now where my REAL daddy?
Bernard Matthews leaves fortune to Dutch lovechild - Yahoo! News UK
Yesterday, 04:01 pm
Yahoo! UK News Bernard Matthews left the bulk of his ?40million fortune to his Dutch lovechild, according to probate records released yesterday. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Bernard Matthews leaves fortune to Dutch lovechild Enlarge photo His only biological heir, Frederick Elgershuizen, 29, will inherit all but one percent of the secretive turkey tycoon's 39 per cent stake in the poultry business. He left the remaining per cent to long time personal assistant Carolyn Claussen.
The intensely private Matthews, who died aged 80 on 25 November last year after suffering from Alzheimer's, once described his private life as 'complicated'.
Internet entrepreneur Frederick was the result of the businessman's eight-year affair with Dutch aristocrat Cornelia Elgershuizen, which began in the 1975 and caused Matthews to separate from his childhood sweetheart wife, Joyce.
Despite living apart for 35 years, they never divorced and Mrs. Matthews remained an integral part of her husband's business empire. She already had a 32 per cent share in the company.
Another 23 per cent is held in a family trust, with the remaining six per cent belonging to company executives.
Mathews broke up with Ms Elgershuizen in 1983 after falling for American model Natalie McCray. Cornelia moved back to Holland with her son and died in 2004.
The will also shows that the poultry magnate left ?1 million to Odile Merteyn, a woman described as Mathews' 'long-term partner' by a spokesman.
Despite these complicated arrangements, the company insist there will be no disputes between the family and the other shareholders. However it is reported Frederick stood alone at his father's funeral.
Noel Bartram, chief executive of Bernard Matthews said in a statement: "The company continues to be a family-owned business, managed by its board in the interest of all its shareholders."
Bernard Mathews became Europe's biggest turkey producer in the 1970s and the owner became famous for using the company's 'bootiful' catchphrase in adverts.
Now where my REAL daddy?
Bernard Matthews leaves fortune to Dutch lovechild - Yahoo! News UK
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