An 80-year-old billionaire, who happens to be a descendant of the Hermès luxury design house, has made the heartwarming decision to adopt his 51-year-old gardener and leave his fortune to him.
According to the Tribune de Genève, Nicolas Puech, who does not have a spouse or children, has chosen to leave approximately half of his $11.5 billion fortune and real estate portfolio to his gardener, whose name remains undisclosed. It seems that Puech has already bestowed upon the man a property in Morocco and a villa in Switzerland, with a combined value of nearly $6 million.
Puech considers his “former gardener and handyman” to be like a family member, referring to him as his “adopted son.” The man is happily married to a woman from Spain and is blessed with two wonderful children.
Another issue arises when Puech gives his money to his gardener, considering that he had already dedicated his wealth to the Isocrates Foundation. The foundation was established by Puech to safeguard and encourage public discourse. It appears that the organization is ready to face a legal battle if he decides to cancel his inheritance contract.
The foundation stated in a press release, as reported by The Guardian, that the sudden and one-sided cancellation of a succession agreement seems to lack legal basis and justification. The foundation has expressed its opposition to this decision, but remains open to engaging in discussions with its founder and president.
Puech comes from a long line of Hermès family members, with Thierry Hermès being the founder of the renowned luxury brand that is currently valued at an impressive $220 billion. Puech’s relationship with his family has been marked by conflict, starting in 2014 when the luxury conglomerate LVHM acquired a significant stake in Hermès. He later resigned from the company’s board.
“He stepped down due to years of relentless attacks from his family members on multiple fronts, including matters unrelated to LVMH,” stated Puech’s spokesperson, as reported by the New York Post.
Puech is currently considered one of Switzerland’s most affluent individuals and ranks as the 162nd wealthiest person globally. He possesses approximately five percent of Hermès.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings