Kis Group Inheritance Dispute: Court Hears Claims Over 189M Shares, May 29

Kis Group founder Zhou Yiqing died in 2018 at age 82. His 2015 will left all 189 million company shares to his fifth daughter Zhou Huihui. His eldest daughter Zhou Lili sued to void the will, claiming her father had no mental capacity when he signed it. The Hong Kong court case reveals family conflict, large cash transfers, and questions about Zhou Yiqing’s health in 2015.

The Will and the Challenge

Zhou Yiqing’s 2015 will gave 189 million Kis Group shares to fifth daughter Zhou Huihui. This represented about 62% of the company. Eldest daughter Zhou Lili filed suit in 2019 to invalidate this will. She wants the 2009 will to stand instead, which would make her an executor and trustee with more control. If both wills fail, she asks the court to declare Zhou Yiqing died without a valid will, letting the family divide his assets.

Cash Gift and Property Transfer Raise Questions

Nine days before signing the 2015 will, Zhou Yiqing gave Zhou Lili a cheque for 54.32 million Hong Kong dollars. He also gave fifth daughter Zhou Huihui a luxury apartment at Garden Terrace in mid-level Hong Kong Island. Zhou Lili accepted and cashed the cheque but felt the decisions were “unreasonable.” She testified she thought her father had lost mental capacity at that moment. Court heard details of the gifts during testimony on May 28.

Health Issues and Medical Decisions

Zhou Yiqing had a stroke on August 20, 2015. Later that year he needed two major surgeries within two months, lasting 6 hours and 2-3 hours respectively. Zhou Lili said she found it odd that her father did not seek a second medical opinion. She acknowledged her father was decisive by nature but questioned whether he had the mental capacity to make such serious health choices. Defendants showed a video of Zhou Yiqing speaking clearly at the company’s 45th anniversary event in December 2015, contradicting claims he was incoherent.

Family Conflict and Competing Interests

Zhou Lili testified that her three younger sisters and her brother do not support her lawsuit. The company lost 300 to 400 million Hong Kong dollars over two years, she said. She denied seeking a larger share of the inheritance, stating instead she wants to protect the company and gain control to restore it to profitability. Her lawyers argued she aims to stabilize the business, not grab wealth.

Final Thoughts

The court must decide if Zhou Yiqing had mental capacity when he signed the 2015 will. The case hinges on whether a stroke, surgery, and cash transfers prove he was unfit. A ruling against the will could reshape Kis Group’s ownership and control.

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