Judge Combines Pritzker Lawsuits

Matthew and Liesel Pritzker, a brother and sister who separately accused members of the family that founded Hyatt Corp. of cheating them of their inheritance, may proceed together in a single lawsuit, a judge ruled in Chicago.

Matthew, 20, and Liesel, 19, contend that their father, Robert Pritzker, and 11 other family members violated their obligations to safeguard trust funds for the siblings. Each alleges a loss of $1 billion. Liesel filed her suit in November, and Matthew filed his this week.

The siblings say the family transferred assets from Matthew’s and Liesel’s trust funds to accounts benefiting other family members and the Pritzker Foundation, a prominent Chicago charity.

Members of the Pritzker family have countered that the trust transfers were appropriate.