Hong Kong, Jan 24 (IANS): A Hong Kong billionaire, who initially offered 40 million pounds to the man who will marry his lesbian daughter, has now offered to double the 'marriage bounty’.

Shipping magnate and property developer Cecil Chao Sze-tsung offered a reward in September 2012 for the man, who could persuade his daughter to marry him, despite the fact that she had already entered into a civil partnership with her female partner of almost nine years, The Independent reported Friday.

Chao told The Financial Times in January 2013 that "anyone who comes along to pursue his daughter, we will give them a moderately deluxe life".

It has been reported that Chao had wanted to pass control of his business to his daughter, but would now consider handing it over to his two sons, if she does not marry.

The 77-year-old has reportedly said he would consider doubling the money offered to HK dollars 1 billion after his first offer attracted 20,000 unsuccessful responses.

He said it is "not too late" to change his daughter's mind on her sexuality. He wanted her to have a good marriage, children, as well as inherit his business.

His daughter, who is an executive director of luxury property development company Cheuk Nang, said any amount of money offered would not be able to attract a man whom she would find attractive.

She has repeatedly asked her father to stop talking to the press about the bounty, but her calls have fallen on deaf ears, the daughter said.

She is now considered as an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) activist and has become closely involved in a gay rights group that lobbies the government to pass anti-discrimination legislation.