A Swiss court has dismissed the claims of Nicolas Puech, an 81-year-old heir to the Hermès fortune, who alleged that his former wealth manager was responsible for the disappearance of his €12 billion ($13 billion) stake in the company. The court ruled that Puech willingly handed over control of his financial affairs to Eric Freymond, including signing blank documents and granting access to his bank accounts.
The missing stake, which represents approximately 5.7% of Hermès International SCA, would have made Puech the largest single investor in the luxury brand. The court's decision leaves the fate of the shares unknown, adding another layer to the ongoing mystery surrounding Puech's wealth.
The case gained attention last year when Puech announced his intention to leave his fortune to his gardener, raising questions about his financial status. The legal battle also sheds light on Puech's alleged involvement in a failed takeover attempt of Hermès by luxury tycoon Bernard Arnault over a decade ago.
The Swiss court's ruling, while dismissing Puech's claims against Freymond, does not resolve the central question of what happened to the missing shares. The case highlights the complexities of wealth management and the potential for disputes over vast fortunes within prominent families like the Hermès clan.
