Nicolas Puech, an 80-year-old billionaire and scion of the iconic fashion dynasty Hermès, is making headlines for his alleged plans to pass on his immense wealth and real estate properties to his 51-year-old gardener. This unorthodox decision has sparked intense speculation and raised eyebrows in the world of high fashion and luxury.
According to Swiss publication Tribune de Genève, Puech, who is unmarried and has no children, is in the process of legally adopting his “former gardener and handyman” as his heir. The gardener, who hails from a “modest Moroccan family,” has been described as being a significant part of Puech’s life and is said to be married with two children of his own.
Puech, who is estimated to be worth between $10.3 billion to $11.4 billion, reportedly has a formidable legal team working on finalizing the adoption process. The gardener stands to inherit a substantial portion of Puech’s fortune, which includes properties in Marrakesh, Morocco and Montreux, Switzerland, valued at $5.9 million.
Puech’s decision to choose his gardener as his heir has raised questions and speculation about the motivation behind this atypical choice. Some speculate that Puech’s rift with his family, particularly over the acquisition of a stake in Hermès by rival luxury conglomerate LVMH, may have influenced his decision. Puech had previously resigned from the company’s board, citing familial discord.
80-year-old Nicolas Puech is in the process of making his “former gardener and handyman” from a “modest Moroccan family” his legal child, Swiss publication Tribune de Genève reported last week. https://t.co/08JGlhf9G7 pic.twitter.com/yRHRUcKwOO
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However, the adoption process may face several challenges. In Switzerland, adult adoptions are exceedingly rare and typically require a prior relationship during the adoptee’s minor years. It is uncertain if this condition can be fulfilled in this case. Puech’s commitment to the Isocrates foundation, which he established to combat misinformation, also presents a potential obstacle, as any attempt to retract this pledge may trigger a legal battle.
The foundation, in a statement shared with Fortune, has expressed its opposition to any attempt to unilaterally cancel the inheritance contract, signaling a potential showdown. Some speculate that the adoption may serve as a legal tactic to preempt any interference from the foundation in Puech’s will.
