Packer is hoping to replicate his business model by producing an heir
After building casinos in Macau and Hong Kong, James Packer has increased his exposure to the gambling industry after deciding to chance his fortune on another wife. Most experts rate the mogul's business decisions as considerably more
sound than those he makes about his personal life. "The Asian gambling
market will be around for the long haul," one analyst said. "Whereas
historical performance figures show that James' model acquisitions
leave him significantly in the red after a few years."
But many of the groom's friends have applauded Packer's choice of Erica Baxter. "James knows that this girl isn't quite so likely to tire of him, since she was able to spend all those years with Jason Donovan," a Packer associate revealed. "Erica's just happy to have a partner who's perceived as heterosexual."
In an attempt to protect his fortune, Packer has insisted on a prenuptial agreement, and so has new wife Erica Baxter, who has specified that in the event of their divorce, her husband must retain custody of the Church of Scientology.
Close Packer buddy Tom Cruise attended the ceremony in the South of France, but did not perform a Scientology wedding ceremony, as had been rumoured. "He was going to marry them, but there were concerns about the sermon," an inside source disclosed. " Erica felt that 'The Evils Of Psychiatry' wasn't an appropriate topic."
Packer's first wife, Jodhi Meares, said she hoped the newlyweds
would live happily ever after. "And I can tell you Erica will, if she
ever cashes in her divorce settlement," she said.
Despite the doubts over his marital prospects, many in the business world have applauded Packer's decision to focus
exclusively on casinos. "James is pleased to be getting out of Channel Nine," a PBL insider said. "and into the entertainment business."
