Business mediation for commercial disputes

Business mediation is about commercial conflicts. Think of disagreements between shareholders, between the supervisory board and management, or between management and the works council. Takeovers and succession are also breeding grounds for conflict, and even more so in a family business, where business and private life are intertwined. If a divorce is also involved, things become really complicated.

When business mediation?

• in disagreements between shareholders or partners;
• in tension between the supervisory board, management and the works council;
• in takeovers and business succession, particularly in a family business;
• in a dispute between companies or within a joint venture;
• in a group conflict within an organisation.

Experience with family businesses

For almost twenty years I was a director, first as CFO and then as CEO, of an internationally operating family business with more than 200 employees. Before that, I worked in my parents' family business. I know the mindset of entrepreneurs, but I also understand the other stakeholders in an organisation. I can also help with disputes between companies or within joint ventures, nationally and internationally.

In most cases, a commercial conflict is resolved within a few weeks. I record the solution carefully in writing.

Looking beyond the legal perspective

A conflict is rarely purely legal. When two neighbours ask a court to decide whether the fence is exactly on the boundary, it is never just about the fence. There is always more going on.

The court rules on the fence, but the underlying conflict, often poor communication, simply remains. In mediation, the legal position of the parties plays a role as well; it could not be otherwise. But we look further: what drives the parties, what do they want besides a possible legal outcome, and how do they want to move forward? That makes mediation not only faster and cheaper than a legal battle, but often better too.

Group mediation and co-mediation

In group mediation there are more than two parties. These can be departments, but also individuals. Group conflicts occur not only in businesses, but also in schools, associations, hospitals and other organisations.

When four or more parties are involved, I recommend co-mediation: two or more mediators then work together in the process. My network includes experienced mediators with whom I regularly work.

What does it cost?

Business mediation costs €195 per hour excluding VAT. We agree on how the costs are divided at the start. See also the fees.

Get acquainted?

Want to know whether mediation can resolve your commercial dispute? Book a meeting without obligation or give me a call. For conflicts between employer and employee, see employment mediation.

Online introduction Introduction at the office Call +31 20 659 88 28