Before you sigh over not owning a Hermès Birkin, consider this: the brand’s own heir no longer holds the $14 billion in shares he once controlled. Axel Dumas, Executive Chairman of Hermès International SCA, unequivocally confirmed on Wednesday that Puech, according to the company, has not held these shares for some time. Dumas matter‑of‑factly added that he does not believe the holding can ever be recovered, marking a profound turn in the family’s affairs. That must be heartbreaking news for the 82‑year‑old and his gardener, who was to get half of his $14 billion fortune.
This 81‑year‑old descendant of Hermès founder Thierry Hermès once owned about 6 million shares and was reportedly one of the largest investors in Hermès International SCA. Still, in Dumas’s own words, “I’ve had the certainty for a long time that Nicolas Puech no longer holds his shares,” Dumas told reporters. “This is why we’ve started legal proceedings,” reported Bloomberg.
Legal matters regarding the shares’ whereabouts have only gotten more entangled. In 2023, Puech accused his former wealth adviser, Eric Freymond, of mishandling his holdings. Puech had alleged Freymond played a role in the disappearance of his fortune. Puech is part of the sprawling Hermès dynasty, whose combined family wealth is estimated at $150 billion.
Puech lays the blame squarely on the late Freymond. His lawyers, Francois Zimeray and Jessica Finelle, said the 82‑year‑old heir was “broken” by the “suspicion and betrayal.” For a man who had trusted Freymond as both adviser and friend for 25 years, losing him, and the $14 billion fortune, was a double blow. It’s a stark reminder that no fortune, however vast, shields you from loss, betrayal, or uncertainty.
