150亿美元离奇蒸发、顾问自杀：谁掏空了爱马仕继承人？
Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2025-12-03 10:10

Core Viewpoint - A high-stakes legal battle involving approximately €14 billion (about $16.26 billion) worth of Hermès shares has emerged, with Nicolas Puech, the 82-year-old heir of Hermès, accusing LVMH and its chairman Bernard Arnault of fraudulently acquiring his shares [1] Group 1: Legal Proceedings and Allegations - Puech has filed lawsuits against his former wealth manager Eric Freymond, alleging abuse of trust and document forgery, claiming that Freymond secretly transferred 6 million shares of Hermès (5.7% of the company) to LVMH [2] - The case is complicated by the mysterious death of Freymond, who committed suicide in July 2024 after being questioned by French authorities regarding document forgery and trust abuse [3] - Puech's claims include that he was unaware of the financial dealings and that Freymond orchestrated a long-term scheme to defraud him [3] Group 2: Historical Context and Financial Implications - The conflict between LVMH and Hermès dates back to 2010 when LVMH began acquiring Hermès shares, leading to a strong backlash from the Hermès family [4] - Puech's case coincides with the tenth anniversary of a settlement between LVMH and Hermès, which could reveal more complex capital operations if Puech's allegations are proven true [4] - An audit revealed that Puech's current assets are significantly lower than his previous net worth, indicating a drastic financial decline [5] Group 3: Inheritance and Wealth Distribution - Puech's financial troubles are further complicated by a controversial change in his will, which originally designated a charitable foundation as the heir but later included his gardener as a beneficiary [5] - The ongoing legal battle may affect the inheritance expectations of both the charitable foundation and the gardener, as the value of Hermès shares has diminished [5] - The French Ministry of Justice is continuing its investigation, with Puech's civil lawsuit filed in May 2025 seeking compensation equivalent to the value of the 6 million Hermès shares [5][6]