In a move likely to focus attention on the mechanics of succession at family-controlled businesses, the son of the ailing chairman at Samsung is taking over some of the entities that control the electronics empire.

The future heir of South Korean conglomerate Samsung Group is getting closer to taking over control after inheriting the chairmanship of two charitable bodies and investment vehicles from his ailing father, the Financial Times reported.

Lee Jae-yong is to take over chairmanship of the Samsung Life Public Welfare Foundation and the Samsung Foundation of Culture; these entities are a significant part of the web of shareholdings that hold the 74 businesses of the Samsung Group together, the report said.

The transfer is one of the largest succession events in Asian business life in recent years and the complexities – and some controversies – are likely to be talking points in the wealth management sector.

Lee Kun-hee, the chairman, has been bedridden since he suffered a heart attack a year ago; he remains in a semi-conscious state, the FT said, citing company officials.

The inheritance of the roles will add to speculation about the timing of a formal succession of group leadership.