Merivale group founder John Hemmes dies

Businessman John Hemmes has died after a long battle with cancer.

The 83-year-old Merivale Group founder and father of nightclub mogul Justin Hemmes, was surrounded by family when he died on Sunday night at his Sydney home, his family said in a statement.

Originally a fashion house, Merivale, owned by the Hemmes family, has grown into a portfolio of more than 50 restaurants, bars, pubs and hotels in Sydney.

The family announced the 83-year-old's death with "great sadness" on Monday.

He had been suffering from a type of cancer called multiple myeloma.