The Intriguing Saga of Nicolas Puech: Family Wealth, Controversial Deals, and Legal Battles

Nicolas Puech, a great-grandson of the Hermès founder, claims ownership of a significant share in the luxury brand yet has sparked controversy by backing out of a deal to sell his shares.

Nicolas Puech, a descendant of the illustrious Hermès family, finds himself embroiled in a complicated legal drama that has left many questioning the status of his fortunes. Recently, he stated his intention to sell approximately 5% of Hermès to the royal family of Qatar. However, he has also allegedly informed Swiss courts that his shares were lost due to a wealth manager's mismanagement.

The most recent lawsuit filed in federal court raises fresh concerns about this deal, claiming Mr. Puech failed to follow through on the sale of over six million shares. The complaint, which is currently sealed, highlights the Qatari monarchy's interest in luxury investments and adds another layer of complexity to Mr. Puech's already mysterious wealth.

At 82 years old, Puech is noted as a prominent heir of the Hermès fortune, being the great-grandson of Thierry Hermès, the brand's founder. Hermès currently boasts a staggering valuation of $300 billion, and Mr. Puech's shares were estimated to be worth in excess of $15 billion prior to his deal with Qatar's royal family.

This is not the first occasion Puech’s financial dealings have attracted attention. His plans in 2023 to adopt his middle-aged Moroccan gardener and make him a beneficiary of half his fortune stirred controversy, particularly as it clashed with the expectations of a charity he established.

With ongoing legal maneuvers and the enigma of his wealth only deepening, the saga of Nicolas Puech continues to intrigue and bewilder observers of the luxury market and beyond.