Epstein Inquest Ordered

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31462, 31 August 1967, Page 11

Epstein Inquest Ordered

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 30. Mr Brian Epstein, the man who discovered the Beatles and took them to international fame, apparently did not die from natural causes, a Coroner’s spokesman said yesterday, the Associated Press reported.

A post mortem on Mr Epstein was held today. As a result of the pathologist’s findings, the Westminster Coroner, Mr Gavin Thurston, ordered an analysis of Mr Epstein’s blood and the contents of the stomach. "This is a normal practice, to order an analysis, when no natural cause of death can be found during the post mortem,” said a spokesman for the Coroner’s office. An inquest has been ordered for today, N.Z.P.A. Reuter reported. Today, with a fluttering of share prices in some parts of Mr Epstein’s pop empire, the directors of his privatelyowned Nems Enterprises summoned an emergency meeting and then called it off. They gave no reason, but it is understood one factor could be the absence so far of a will—leaving doubt about who will end up with major control. Mr Epstein had 70 per cent control in Nems enterprises, which manages the Beatles and many other performers and places of entertainment. His 30-year-old brother, Clive, strongly tipped as next head of the company, is said to have the second-biggest share holding. As for control of the Beatles, John Lennon said today they would manage 1 themselves “for a time,” ' United Press Internationa] reported. Copyright of the Beatles’ i music, which has earned Brit- i ain millions of dollars, may I

be sold to America, the “Daily Telegraph” reported. This was the suggestion on the London Stock Exchange today as market dealers reflected on the sudden death of Mr Epstein. To meet the huge estate duty arising from his death at the age of 32 will almost certainly necessitate the forced sale of the bulk of his assets. A few days ago he was quoted as being worth nearly £7 million on paper. This means that at the current rate of 80 per cent on assets exceeding £BOO,OOO, the duty on Mr Epstein’s estate will be between £5 million and £6 million.