Hermès Heir, 80, Wants to Adopt His Gardener So He Can Leave Billions to Him When I read this news, it naturally reminded me of the famous Chauncey Gardiner, in Jerzy Kosiński’s novel ‘Being There’, which was brilliantly represented by Peter Sellers. Well, this gardener, a 51-year-old Moroccan immigrant, Abdel Jamal, (not his real name) would be in line for a significant portion of the fashion house scion's $11 billion fortune. According to Fortune, Nicholas Puech is the largest individual shareholder of Hermès stock. An unmarried, childless 80-year-old recluse and heir to the Hermès fortune wants to adopt his former gardener. The situation is unfolding now in Valais, Switzerland. Puech wants to pass on his wealth to a man the newspapers are calling Abdel Jamal, pursuing the adoption since October 2022. Puech, who owns homes in Switzerland and Spain, reportedly cut himself off from the outside world during the COVID pandemic. As he did, he is said to have grown closer to the handyman, his young wife (who also works for Puech as a cleaner), and their children. Puech has reportedly referred to the couple as his "adopted son and daughter-in-law”. Puech, reported to be in good health and of sound mind, had agreed in 2011 to sign over his inheritance to his Isocrate Foundation, which he created to combat misinformation and support journalism. In February, he tried to terminate that inheritance pact in a handwritten note to his attorneys. He claims to have been misled about the foundation, believing he'd be able to still control his assets. The Isocrate Foundation will have to agree to the pact termination. However, they have opposed it while leaving the door open for a discussion with its founder and president. So far, the adoption process is still under consideration by Valais authorities. If it came through, the heir would be entitled to at least 10 percent of Puech's estate. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds, or watch the full series on Netflix… whatever happens first. 😂 #branding #brandequity #brandstrategy
I was just going to add, to watch how this unfolds in a Netflix documentary series!
I'm up for adoption too (just in case this one doesn't work out)
This affirms my life's dream to get hired and then adopted by a billionaire mogul.
Fascinating tale! The echoes of 'Being There' resonate. Wishing clarity for all involved. Life's twists, reality or Netflix series, unfold uniquely.
I think this man should be allowed to leave his fortune to whoever he wants 🙌
Love this story! Can definitely see this as an upcoming film!
What an amazing real life story! Let’s wait and see how it unfolds!
Such an interesting story, Adriana! I'm curious about the motivations of any parties that would be opposed.
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10moThe handyman has to be adopted? I assume that's to make a stronger claim than just putting him in the will? Or does the pact have a loophole that allows an heir, but not anyone else in the will, to inherit part of the fortune?