P.M. BRIEFING : Holmes a Court Died Without Will

SYDNEY, Australia —  Robert Holmes a Court, once Australia’s richest man, left no will for his multimillion-dollar business empire when he died of a heart attack last year, the family lawyer said today.

The South African-born Holmes a Court, 53, suffered a fatal heart attack at his ranch near Perth on Sept. 2.

Australian newspapers at the time estimated his property and share holdings were worth almost $460 million, while Heytesbury Holdings, the family’s private company, had estimated cash reserves of more than $154 million.

Family lawyer Peter Patrikeos said that extensive searches since Holmes a Court’s death had failed to uncover a will.

Under Australian law, if a person dies without a will, the estate is automatically divided between the spouse and any surviving children. Holmes a Court is survived by his wife, three sons and one daughter.