Nicolas Puech, the heir to the Hermes fashion house, is reportedly planning to legally adopt his former Gardner so he could leave him the $11 billion fortune.
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Peuch is one of the wealthiest people in Switzerland and has a reported net worth between $10.3 billion and $11.4 billion. According to Oddity Central, although there was an issue with his family and luxury conglomerate LVMH, Puech owns a considerable share in the multi-billion dollar company. However, he plans to leave his fortune with his married gardener, Jean-Claude, who has two children.
The billionaire started legal proceedings to adopt his former gardener, although it is considered a rare occurrence in Switzerland and more complicated than adopting a minor. The country’s laws require adoptions to have a prior relationship during the adoptee’s childhood years, which could be hard to prove, considering Peuch’s case.
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Previously, Puech wanted to leave his fortune to the Isocrates Foundation, an organization he founded to fight misinformation in case any attempts to back out of the inheritance contract may cause legal action from a potential beneficiary. If the gardener earns Puech’s billions, he will own 5.7 percent of Hermes along with properties in Marrakesh, Morroco, and Montreux, Switzerland, at a property value of millions. He will be able to collect $43 million in shares yearly.
Born in 1943, Puech inherited a significant stake in the company and played a crucial role in its growth and success for many years. He served on the Hermès supervisory board for over two decades, providing valuable guidance and oversight.
Hermès, the iconic French luxury brand, is a woven tapestry of heritage, innovation, and exquisite craftsmanship. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, a harness maker, the brand began its journey catering to Europe’s elite with meticulous saddles and carriages.
As Paris modernized, Hermès adapted, evolving into a producer of elegant leather goods like the iconic Birkin bag, a timeless symbol of luxury named after actress Jane Birkin, and saddles, still beloved by equestrians for their quality and craftsmanship.