JC Reindl, and Brent Snavely

Detroit Free Press

Mike and Marian Ilitch on Thursday announced a future succession plan for their Detroit-based pizza, sports and entertainment empires that says their youngest son, Christopher Ilitch, will eventually replace them in their respective roles.

The announcement contained few surprise, as Christopher Ilitch, the sixth of Mike and Marian's seven children, has been at the helm of the family's holding corporation — Ilitch Holdings — for more than a decade. He and his sister, Denise Ilitch, were once copresidents of Ilitch Holdings until she resigned from the family business in 2004 after a chilly estrangement with her brother and mother.

"As our health is relatively good, we thought that disclosing our plans now would help provide continued stability," Marian Ilitch, 83, vice chairman of Ilitch Holdings, said in a released statement.

Mike Ilitch, 86, the chairman, said in the release: "Early on, Marian and I decided that we wanted every one of our businesses to remain family owned. Through careful long-term planning, which continues, I'm pleased to say that all of our businesses, including the sports teams, will remain 100% Ilitch-family owned."

A proud Mike Ilitch says he is just a part of the community

For now, Mike Ilitch will continue to run the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings. And Marian Ilitch will keep running MotorCity Casino Hotel.

Yet over time, Christopher Ilitch, 50, is to succeed his parents in their current roles. His current title is president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings.

The announcement didn't specify how Christopher Ilitch would take over at the casino and stay in compliance with Major League Baseball rules that prohibit interests in gambling enterprises while owning a team. However, it did emphasize that the elder Ilitches will ensure that their succession plans comply with all regulations governing professional baseball and hockey and casino ownership.

"Chris has done an outstanding job, and under his leadership, we have seen sustained growth and success," Mike Ilitch said.

Mike and Marian Ilitch cofounded Little Caesars Pizza in 1959 and bought the Red Wings in 1982. Mike Ilitch bought the Tigers in 1992.