Yahoo News 'Superman' Li Ka-shing confirms retirement at the age of 89
Li ka-Shing, the Hong Kong businessman dubbed 'Superman', has confirmed he will retire in May ahead of his 90th birthday.
The announcement was made in a regulatory filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange via his sprawling ports-to-telecoms company CK Hutchison (CKH), which includes the UK mobile provider Three in its stable.
His other UK business interests include ownership of Northumbrian Water and the port of Felixstowe.
CKH confirmed Mr Li's eldest son Victor would assume the chairmanship, though his father would keep an advisory role.
His retirement will bring the curtain down on a career in business spanning 75 years that has earned him a net worth of $35bn (£25bn), according to Forbes, ranking him in the top 30 richest people in the world.
The story of how he achieved his success is one of rags to riches, however he has always stayed true to his humble roots in China by refusing many of the trappings of wealth and giving over $2bn to charitable causes.
After fleeing war in China aged 12, Mr Li started out in his early teens working for a Hong Kong plastics firm to provide for his family.
His first solo venture was making and exporting plastic flowers - sowing the seeds for an empire that would eventually span more than 50 countries and earning the jovial entrepreneur the nickname 'Superman' in his adopted home of Hong Kong.
He received an honorary knighthood from the Queen in 2000.
Confirmation of his retirement coincided with the release of Hutchison (HKSE: 0013-OL.HK - news) 's annual results showing a 6% increase in profits to $4.5bn.
Mr Li said: "Healthy and synchronised growth in major economies gathered pace in 2017.
"Provided this trend continues and inflation remains benign, the environment in 2018 should remain supportive for global trade and for our businesses."
