Almost universally, franchise agreements contain a ‘dispute resolution’ clause. This will
usually set out a three-stage process; starting with a face-to-face meeting between the
franchisee and the franchisor. If that fails, the second stage is mediation and if that also fails
the third stage is litigation.
If the parties move to mediation, it will usually be specified as being non-binding, of a
minimum of eight hours and before a mediator who will be appointed by the Centre for
Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). Obviously if both parties agree to appoint a different
mediator, they are at liberty to do so. The cost of the mediator will usually be shared equally
between the parties but, if applicable, they will pay for their own legal representation.
The mediator’s role is not to judge but, acting neutrally, try to help the parties to reach an
agreement. For this reason, the choice of mediator is very important. He or she should most
definitely have business experience and ideally also be familiar with the franchising industry.
There are not many mediators with this experience, but they do exist. It is well worth
investing the time and effort to identify and appoint the right person because the possibility of
successfully resolving the dispute will be greatly increased.
At the mediation, either party can be represented by their lawyer and, if the mediator agrees,
any other person who is appropriate to assist in resolving the dispute. The mediation can
take place at any agreed location. It could be at the office of either parties’ solicitor or at a
conference centre or meeting venue. To accommodate the mediation the facility must have
at least three rooms.
The parties, any lawyers and the mediator will initially attend a joint meeting at which the
mediator will explain how the mediation will be conducted. This will firstly involve the parties,
starting with the claimant, setting out their position and their desired outcome. To gain clarity
the mediator may ask questions but he or she will not interrogate, challenge or make
comments. The parties will then go to separate rooms where they will be visited in turn by
the mediator. These meetings will be completely confidential and nothing that is discussed
will be divulged to the other party. Very importantly, the mediator will make it clear that
everything that is discussed is on a ‘without prejudice’ basis. This means that as well as
being confidential the discussions will not be made available to any subsequent legal action
that may take place if the mediation fails. Most mediators will destroy any notes that they
make regardless of the outcome.
The mediator will proceed to visit the parties in turn to encourage and broker a compromise.
Obviously, that may sometimes not be possible and for that reason not all mediations are
successful.
If enough progress is made the mediator will encourage negotiations and, with the parties’
consent, put forward any offers and counteroffers that they wish to make. If this is successful
a joint meeting will be reconvened at which a formal settlement agreement can be drafted
and signed.
Mediation offers many benefits in resolving franchise disputes. It is confidential and much
less expensive than litigation. Importantly, it allows the parties to retain control of the
outcome as opposed to a court case or an arbitration that will be presided over by a judge or
an arbitrator who will pass judgement. This will result in there being a winner and a loser.
Many winners later state that their victory was at great cost of both time and money. Many
losers later wish that they had settled out of court.
Another benefit of reaching a mediated settlement is that there is a far higher probability that
the outcome will be an amicable compromise that allows the parties, if they so wish, to
resume a working relationship. In a franchising situation this is often highly desirable.