80-year-old Nicolas Puech, the heir of Hermès, has announced his decision to bequeath half of his $12 billion fortune to his former gardener, stirring a wave of astonishment among his family and the public, Ednews reports.

Nicolas Puech, recognized as the 5th generation descendant of Thierry Hermes, the founder of the renowned luxury goods manufacturer Hermès, shocked many with his unconventional inheritance plan. Despite being single and childless, Puech had initially intended to donate his wealth to a foundation. However, in a recent twist, he submitted a new inheritance application, redirecting a significant portion of his fortune to his former gardener, whose identity remains undisclosed.

Sources indicate that Puech, who owns 5.7 percent of Hermès, has had minimal contact with his family in recent years, leading to speculation about his decision-making process. While he initially considered adopting the 51-year-old gardener to facilitate the inheritance process, the complexity and potential legal challenges associated with adult adoption in Switzerland present a formidable obstacle.

Puech's departure from the Hermès board in 2014, following a contentious takeover bid by fashion rival LVMH, did not diminish his substantial wealth. However, his surprising choice to designate his former gardener as a beneficiary has sparked intense debate within his family and garnered widespread attention in the media.