Splitsville.

William "Bill" Anderson has resigned from the real estate company his billionaire father John Anderson owns.

Effective Dec. 9, Bill Anderson left Topa Management Co., where he bad worked alongside his father for 14 years learning the ropes of the real estate business.

Bill Anderson said he and an unnamed partner have founded National Beverage Properties Inc., which will focus on buying and managing beverage distribution warehouses.

"The difficult thing for any second generation member in a family business is that it's very hard to feed your own entrepreneurial spirit," he said. "I came to a point in my career where I had an exciting opportunity and I really wanted to start my own company."

While dabbling in everything from insurance to private clubs, Topa manages more than 4 million square feet of commercial space and about 4,500 residential units in California and Hawaii.

John Anderson said he is supportive of his son's decision. "He's trying to start his own business," John Anderson said. "I wish him well."

Staff reporter Andy Fixmer can be reached by phone at [phone], ext. 263, or by e-mail at [e-mail].

Staff reporter Andy Fixmer can be reached by phone at [phone], ext. 263, or by e-mail at [e-mail].