A branch of the French luxury fashion company Hermès. Photo by AFP |
Puech is reportedly seeking to adopt the gardener, a 51-year-old man of Moroccan descent, in a move to legalize his former employee’s status as an heir, as reported by the Daily Mail.
A descendant of Thierry Hermès, who established the iconic brand in 1837, Puech has no direct heirs as he is unmarried and childless. Meanwhile, the gardener, whose identity is unknown, has been a pivotal figure in Puech’s life, serving not just as a gardener but also as a handyman.
If the court approves Puech’s adoption decision, the gardener could acquire up to half of his fortune, which Forbes values at between $10 and $11 billion.
Legal proceedings have reportedly commenced to formalize this handover, according to People Magazine.