DeBartolo Heirs Split Developer’s Holdings

The son and daughter of the late Edward J. DeBartolo completed the split of the real estate and entertainment holdings left to them by the developer. Edward DeBartolo Jr. said he assumed control of Youngstown, Ohio-based Edward J. DeBartolo Corp.’s real estate development operations, including its stake in Simon Property Group Inc., the nation’s largest mall owner. The 11.3% stake is worth about $583 million. DeBartolo and his sister, Denise DeBartolo York, have been feuding since their father’s death in 1994 over the developer’s holdings, including the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers. In 1999, York sued to have her brother removed from any management position with the football team and to have him repay $94 million she alleged he owed the Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. Edward DeBartolo Jr. resigned as the San Francisco 49ers chairman and chief executive in December 1997. Last year, NFL owners approved the San Francisco 49ers’ transfer of ownership from Edward DeBartolo Jr. to York.