According to the High Court in Wellington, the late New Zealand fitness pioneer and former Auckland mayor Les Mills left the intellectual property rights of his international fitness business to his son, Phillip Mills, while distributing his property portfolio and personal chattels to his daughter, Donna Maree Mills-McArtney. Les Mills died following a decades-long career that scaled a single gym on Victoria St West into a global fitness brand.
Intellectual Property and Corporate Structure of Les Mills International
According to court documents released by the High Court in Wellington, the four-page will dated May 12, 2024, directed that intellectual property rights associated with the brand go directly to Phillip Mills. “I give to my son Phillip any intellectual property rights that may exist in Les Mills or any associated entity,” the will stated.
The corporate structure underpinning the multi-national brand remains largely consolidated within the family and long-standing partners. According to company ownership records, approximately 71% of the business is controlled jointly by Phillip Mills, his wife Jackie Mills, and long-time business partner Gary Ivory. Additional stakeholders include the Accident Compensation Corporation, which acquired a 20% stake in 2020, and former Spark chief executive Simon Moutter.
Did you know? Les Mills served as the Mayor of Auckland City from 1990 to 1998, running the local government while simultaneously expanding his fitness enterprise before representing New Zealand globally as an athlete in the shot put and discus throw at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games and multiple Commonwealth Games.
Real Estate, Chattels, and Family Provisions
According to the will, Donna Maree Mills-McArtney received significant real estate assets, including a property located on North Piha Rd in West Auckland and a home owned by Les Mills in Pt Chevalier. The documents also assigned all works of art, household items, and personal chattels to his daughter. These provisions covered vehicles, garden tools, domestic animals, silver, plates, plated articles, linen, china, glass, books, pictures, paintings, prints, photographs, a collection of stamps and coins, and family memorabilia.
According to the will, Les Mills expressed a specific wish regarding his remains: “I express the wish that I shall be cremated and my ashes are held by my daughter for her to determine how to deal with it in the future.”
The will also addressed family support structures, noting an unbinding request regarding the testator’s sister. According to the document, Phillip and Donna “shall, if they are able, and if it is practicable, assist my sister Carrell Mills if she gets into financial difficulty but I appreciate that this will only be an expression of my wishes and is not binding.”
Family Caregiving and Asset Distribution Rationale
When asked by the New Zealand Herald about the asset distribution favoring his sister, Phillip Mills explained the rationale behind the arrangements. “That’s what I told him to do. My family is fine,” Phillip Mills said, noting that his sister provided vital caregiving support during their father’s later years.
“My sister looked after him for the last few years. He was pretty self-sufficient until the last six months,” Phillip Mills said, referencing the 2024 death of Les Mills’ second wife, Florence.
Phillip Mills also detailed the deep familial bonds shared with his niece and nephew, Moana and Gabe McArtney. “Her kids – my niece and nephew – are like my own kids. They’ve lived with our family, and we’ve supported them and what they do,” he said. Moana McArtney later launched a career in the music industry under the moniker Prynne, after picking up the guitar following the death of her father, singer Dave McArtney, who was previously married to Donna Mills-McArtney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who controls Les Mills International today?
According to corporate ownership data, approximately 71% of the company is controlled by Phillip Mills, his wife Jackie Mills, and business partner Gary Ivory. The Accident Compensation Corporation holds a 20% stake acquired in 2020.
What did Phillip Mills inherit under the will?
According to the High Court documents, Phillip Mills inherited any intellectual property rights that may exist in Les Mills or any associated entity.
What assets were left to Donna Maree Mills-McArtney?
According to the will, Donna Maree Mills-McArtney inherited real estate properties in North Piha Rd and Pt Chevalier, along with works of art, household items, vehicles, collections, and personal chattels.
Where did Les Mills’ political career take place?
Les Mills served as the Mayor of Auckland City from 1990 to 1998, alongside his extensive athletic career competing in the shot put and discus throw at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
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