Hicks Muse chairman to retire next year

Thomas O. Hicks, co-founder and chairman of Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, will retire March 31, 2005, Mr. Muse said today in a letter to limited partners obtained by P&I Daily. Partner and co-founder John R. Muse will succeed him. "My primary focus will be on pursuing my new ‘day job' as a full-time sports team owner, real estate developer and private family investor, partnering with members of my family and assisted by other professional staff," wrote Mr. Hicks. He owns the Texas Rangers baseball team and Dallas Stars hockey team.