An Ontario judge's looming decision on whether to compel the Stronach Group to disclose evidence of any coverup of sexual misconduct may add yet a new dimension to a deepening scandal surrounding the multinational's billionaire founder. The civil court case also offers a peek into the deep divisions at the heart of a family feud involving auto parts tycoon Frank Stronach's adult children and grandchildren. According to at least one longtime observer, the conflict bears a resemblance to the infighting involving another famous clan.
"There are a lot of parallels to the fictional family in Succession ," said Dimitry Anastakis, a University of Toronto professor and business historian. The popular HBO drama series portrayed members of the mega-rich Roy family — usually in lavish surroundings — as they battled for control of a media conglomerate led by an aging patriarch. Cast members of the HBO series Succession pose together at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles in January.
According to at least one longtime observer, the conflict in the Stronach family bears a resemblance to the infighting involving the TV show's Roy clan. (Aude Guerrucci/Reuters) Like Logan Roy's fictional rags-to-riches tale, the Austrian-born Stronach built a successful business empire after immigrating to Canada. But recent criminal accusations threaten to consume the 91-year-old's legacy.
In June, Peel Regional Police, near Toronto, laid 13 charges against Stronach, including sexual assault, .