Nicolas Puech, an 80-year-old descendant of the Hermès luxury goods empire, plans on leaving £5bn for his former employer, a Gardner.
This surprising move is part of Puech’s intention to bequeath at least half of his £10 billion fortune to the 51-year-old ex-employee.
Puech, the largest individual shareholder in Hermès with a stake of around 5.7%, has initiated the legal process of adopting the unnamed former gardener and handyman.
The adoption decision has sparked a public dispute with the charity he founded, the Isocrates Foundation, which faces potential funding cuts.
Living in the southern Swiss canton of Valais, Puech, who is single and childless, aims to share his wealth with the Moroccan family of his former employee, highlighting their support during the Covid pandemic. However, a legal complaint has been filed against the family, claiming undue influence.
This unexpected adoption plan challenges a 2011 pledge by Puech to bestow his fortune to the Isocrates Foundation. A handwritten note from February 2023 indicates a change in his testamentary arrangements, leading to opposition from the foundation.
Amidst reported family tensions and historical conflicts over Hermès shares, Puech’s unconventional decision raises legal questions, considering that adult adoptions are not typical in Switzerland.
The situation is evolving, with potential legal challenges and ongoing discussions between Puech and the foundation. Stay tuned for updates on this unique inheritance saga.
