Forbes·2025-12-03 19:35Core Viewpoint - Nicolas Puech, a former billionaire and Hermès heir, is suing LVMH and its founder Bernard Arnault, claiming his wealth manager sold his shares in Hermès without his knowledge, which are now valued at over $16 billion [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - Puech has filed a lawsuit against his former wealth manager Eric Freymond, Bernard Arnault, LVMH, and associated holding companies, alleging that Freymond sold his shares without consent when LVMH began acquiring a stake in Hermès over a decade ago [2]. - The lawsuit estimates the value of Puech's lost Hermès shares at approximately 14 billion euros, or around $16.3 billion [2]. Group 2: Background Information - Bernard Arnault has transformed LVMH into a leading luxury conglomerate by acquiring various companies, including Sephora in 1997 and Tiffany & Co. in 2021 for $15.8 billion [4]. - In 2010, Arnault disclosed that he had acquired a 23% stake in Hermès, leading to a dispute that was settled in 2014, where Arnault agreed to distribute LVMH's stake to shareholders while retaining an 8.5% stake [4].