The first international mediation forum
Prevent,
Manage,
Resolve business disputes
our mission
Equanim supports
companies and organizations in the prevention, management and
amicable settlement of their disputes through mediation worldwide.
As a committed company, Equanim contributes to the promotion of amicable settlement.
+2400
mediations
by our mediators
+65
mediators
with diverse profiles, united by an approach to mediation focused on results
80%
agreements
at the end of mediations conducted by our mediators
16
nationalities
represented in our mediators network
our mission
Our business, your solutions
Dispute resolution through business mediation
Equanim offers parties the opportunity to settle their dispute confidentially through a tailor-made mediation process involving the best mediators.
Business dispute management
We design solutions that help you prevent and manage the litigation inherent to your business.
Raising awareness about business mediation
Equanim is committed to promoting the use of business mediation through regular training and informational activities.
mediation in figures
Mediation, the choice of efficiency
The annual cost of inter-company disputes in France is estimated at 29 billion euros. Mediation, as the statistics show, makes it possible to manage these disputes more efficiently.
estimated cost
3 to 4
times less expensive
On average, mediation costs 3 to 4 times less than judicial or arbitral proceedings.
efficiency
5
times faster
In France, the duration of the mediation process (for a dispute averaging €200,000) has been estimated at 60 days, while litigation takes 330 days and arbitration 345 days.
Our methodology
A high-added-value intervention
With our comprehensive, individualized approach, we ensure an efficient mediation process tailored to your needs:
- From the start of mediation to the conclusion of an amicable settlement, via the co-construction of a customized framework for exchanges and discussions, we guide the parties at every step, enabling them to make an informed choice of mediator and, if necessary, proposing expertise to support the process.
- We emphasize reinforced confidentiality and provide ongoing assistance in the event of difficulties.
- This approach guarantees a suitable environment for resolving disputes, and optimizes the chances of reaching a satisfactory agreement for all parties involved.
A unique network of mediators
- High-level mediators
All our mediators are experienced in mediation and/or in their respective fields of expertise. - A wide range of profiles, nationalities and locations
Our network of mediators includes senior business figures and former public decision-makers, business lawyers and former legal directors, as well as academics and experts. It comprises more than 16 nationalities spanning across all continents.
- An efficiency-centered conception of mediation
Our mediators act to explore any transactional outcome together with the parties, which is why we have proposed them to join Equanim International.
A co-constructed, tailor-made mediation service
- We offer the most suitable mediator profiles We take into account the expertise required by the parties and the need to address any potential cultural biases.
- Co-mediation can be recommendedThis leverages the complementary qualities and cultural traits of our mediators to serve the parties.
- A conventional expertise can be organizedThis expertise supports the mediation, in order to create objective data.
A tailored pricing structure focused on efficiency
- We prioritize fixed-rate pricing
This provides the parties involved in the mediation with greater predictability and helps encourage the speed and efficiency of the process
- A success fee may be proposed
Only if the parties agree, part of the remuneration may be contingent on the outcome of the mediation.
They support us
“EQUANIM offers a response to an observation often made in the course of my career: when faced with complex situations, the intervention of a neutral third party makes it possible to unblock situations and find satisfactory compromise solutions”.
Gérard Mestrallet
Former CEO of ENGIE
Founding member of Equanim
“I’m convinced of the major assets of co-mediation, and that Equanim International is the most suitable institution to offer parties the best tandems of mediators, with complementary experiences and cultures, to seek amicable solutions to business disputes, particularly international ones”.
Hélène de Kovachich
Former President of the Administrative Tribunal
of Quebec Mediator affiliated with Equanim
Former President of the
Administrative Tribunal of Quebec
Mediator affiliated with Equanim
“Time is a decisive factor in business life. The risk of litigation represents a major economic and reputational risk.
EQUANIM offers a rapid dispute resolution service that removes this hurdle in the interest of all stakeholders, by mobilizing world-renowned specialists”.
Maurice Lévy
Former Chairman of Publicis Groupe
Founding member of Equanim
“The mediation process as structured by EQUANIM and the wealth of its pool of very high-level mediators, with varied profiles, nationalities and experience, create the best conditions for finding an amicable outcome to the many international and/or more complex business disputes that companies may face”.
Eve Pienaar
Anglo-French business mediator affiliated with Equanim
“Mediation is a sign of courage on the part of company executives” .
Grehard Cromme
C-suit
Member of Equanim's International Strategy Council
“In a context of growing high-intensity international strategic disputes, EQUANIM enables parties to mobilize as co-mediators personalities from international economic and public life and mediation practitioners to bring a global solution to the most complex disputes”.
Enrico Letta
Former head of government
Honorary Chairman, International Strategy Council
our publications
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Frequently asked questions
What is mediation?
Mediation is a dispute resolution process in which several legal entities or individuals entrust an independent, neutral and impartial third party with the task of helping them to bring their viewpoints closer together and to resolve their dispute by enabling them to re-establish contact and communicate with each other.
Who can initiate mediation?
The parties to a dispute are free to initiate mediation at any time, as long as they both agree to it. This is sometimes even pre-arranged in specific clauses within business contracts. In other cases, one party usually proposes mediation to the other.
Mediation institutions, such as Equanim International, can also offer to mediate on behalf of one party to another, or on their own initiative.
In what situations should mediation be used?
Mediation is suitable for any type of dispute, with none excluded in principle, regardless of the field (commercial relations, competition, finance and insurance, insolvency, construction, industry and transportation, etc.), the subject of the dispute (contractual relationships, shareholder conflicts, asymmetrical disputes, class actions, etc.), or the scale of the financial stakes.
It can also be relevant in supporting companies with project management: contractual negotiations, leadership transitions, management of joint venture relationships, etc.
When to resort to mediation?
- Before any contentious proceedings, either under a mediation clause or if the parties wish, to avoid resorting to court or arbitration.
- During proceedings, mediation can be ordered by the judge during or in parallel with the proceedings, with or without a stay of proceedings, depending on the choice of the parties.
- After obtaining a judicial or arbitral decision, to avoid appeals, to agree on the interpretation and implementation of the decision, or to seek a different, more satisfactory solution for the parties.
How can Equanim improve your mediation conditions?
- Mobilizing its network of first-rate mediators: Mediation professionals and key figures in the major sectors of international business life.
- Holistic dispute resolution: Equanim offers an enhanced mediation service by supporting the parties in co-constructing the most suitable framework: facilitated entry into mediation, assistance in selecting the best mediator, determination of logistical considerations, referral to audit firms and experts, monitoring of the solution reached by the parties, etc.
- Efficiency and confidentiality: By co-constructing a confidential discussion framework focused on finding amicable and effective solutions, Equanim strengthens the chances of reaching an agreement that resolves the dispute.
What is the role of the mediator?
While the mediator’s prerogatives are not always identical in all cases, his or her primary function is to support the parties in their search for a solution, and to ensure that a constructive dialogue is re-established between them to this end. As a neutral, independent and impartial third party, the mediator guarantees a confidential framework for exchanges between the parties, and works actively to bring them closer together.
He or she is not necessarily a legal professional: it is the dynamics he or she instills and the creativity of the solutions he or she generates that matter, more than legal skills. The parties need to ask themselves what they expect from the mediator, whether he or she is simply a facilitator or an advisor likely to propose solutions. In business mediation, it is generally preferable to have a proactive mediator.
What are the duration and costs of mediation?
Although variable according to the needs and complexity of the cases handled, the average duration of mediation is around 60 days. At Equanim, the average estimated cost is between 0.3% and 1.5% of the amount at stake in the dispute.
With a success rate of 80%, mediation benefits from a particularly favourable cost/benefit ratio compared to legal or arbitration proceedings, which are subject to unpredictable and often substantial costs and duration, generating insecurity for the parties.
How does mediation with Equanim work?
- Referral phase: Equanim receives a request for mediation or is interested in a dispute, and carries out an initial feasibility study;
- Setting up mediation: Equanim formulates a mediation proposal, including the names of mediators who can be mobilized, and the resources and expertise required to facilitate the mediation. The parties agree on a timetable under the aegis of the mediator;
- Analysis and listening phase: The mediator assesses the situation and identifies the needs and interests of each party;
- Dispute resolution phase: The dispute resolution phase consists of highlighting the possible options and choosing a solution.
- Agreement drafting phase: The parties agree on a solution and sign an agreement putting an end to the dispute.
Let's talk about your mediation project
Our team of experts is at your service to support you at every stage of your project.
Contact us to find out more.
