诈骗案牵出股权争夺 爱马仕继承人起诉LV

Core Viewpoint - The case involving Nicolas Puech, the fifth-generation heir of Hermès, reveals significant allegations of financial fraud, where he claims to have lost over $15 billion in Hermès shares due to deceit by his long-time wealth manager, Eric Freymond, and the involvement of LVMH [2][3]. Group 1: Background of Nicolas Puech - Nicolas Puech inherited a substantial stake in Hermès, becoming one of its largest individual shareholders, but he has remained largely uninvolved in the company's operations [3][6]. - In 2024, Puech was ranked 121st on the Forbes Billionaires list with a peak net worth of $15.6 billion, but he is now reportedly financially strained [3][4]. - Puech's relationship with Freymond began in the 1980s, and Freymond managed Puech's wealth for over 25 years, gaining his complete trust [4]. Group 2: Allegations of Fraud - Puech claims that Freymond misled him and transferred his Hermès shares to LVMH without his knowledge, leading to a significant financial loss [4][8]. - In 2022, Puech discovered discrepancies in his accounts, prompting him to investigate and ultimately leading to the revelation that 6 million shares of Hermès had "disappeared" [4][5]. - Puech filed civil lawsuits against Freymond in Switzerland, accusing him of breach of trust and asset misappropriation, seeking billions in damages [5]. Group 3: Legal Proceedings and Outcomes - Freymond was initially questioned by French authorities and faced charges of document forgery and aggravated breach of trust before his death in a cycling accident [5][9]. - The case has drawn attention to the complexities of "bearer shares," which allowed for easier transfer of ownership and may have facilitated the alleged fraud [7][8]. - The ongoing legal battles have raised suspicions within the Hermès family regarding the fate of Puech's shares and the role of Freymond in LVMH's acquisition strategy [6][7]. Group 4: Hermès Financial Performance - Hermès reported a 15% year-on-year revenue growth for 2024, reaching €15.2 billion, with a net profit increase of 7% to €4.6 billion [6]. - The company’s revenue for the first half of 2025 was €8.034 billion, reflecting an 8% increase at constant exchange rates, although net profit slightly decreased from €2.37 billion to €2.25 billion [6]. - The financial turmoil surrounding Puech may have implications for the Hermès family and its legacy, as internal disputes over share ownership resurface [6][8].