Closely Held & Family Business

The close relationships that are an integral part of the operations of closely held businesses, including partnerships and family businesses, are often a vital part of the success of the enterprise but can also be a source of conflict. Conflicts within these types of businesses have the potential to seriously disrupt long-term relationships, and devastate the strength of the business and livelihood of its members. By effectively resolving disputes early, in a confidential environment, managers of the enterprise can preserve both the health of the company and the long-term relationships that are so valuable to the parties involved. Otherwise, these conflicts may harm the company or lead to litigation, which can permanently and publicly fracture relationships. 

SAMPLE MEDIATORS AND ARBITRATORS - click on a name or picture for more information

Diane Levin

Lisette Smith

Doris Tennant

Blair Trippe

Jack Wofford

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Our services to those involved in closely held businesses are aimed at helping parties resolve complex, sometimes deeply-rooted issues as well as those conflicts that may seem straightforward but have proven to be stubborn to resolve in a way that prevents recurrence. Often these disputes involve multiple parties, including partners, key employees, family and non-family managers in the business. Participating in an organized, private forum led by a knowledgeable, neutral third party can help manage discordant communication and frame productive resolutions.

With the help of an experienced mediator parties can achieve both their business and personal objectives, reach sustainable agreements and find a better approach to resolving future disputes.  The ongoing use of facilitated meetings can help maintain business stability and strengthen key relationships, freeing parties to focus on external business issues.  

TYPES OF DISPUTES

MWI’s Closely Held and Family Business Dispute Resolution Program provides these enterprises with experienced and effective mediators, arbitrators and facilitators with expertise in helping to resolve disputes specific to the closely-held business environment including:

SAMPLE ENGAGEMENTS

• Due to serious health issues, a business owner was forced to implement a succession plan for his rapidly growing business before he was prepared to do so. He had a key employee who had a minority interest in the company and was critical to the company’s continued success.  The owner’s only child also worked at the company and had been slated to inherit his father’s ownership stake, though over a much more extended period than may now be necessary.  He had been with the company only three years, though he had performed very well during his time there.  The key employee did not have a strong relationship with the owner’s son, and though he was sensitive to the failing health of his long-time mentor, he made it clear that he would not continue at the firm should the owner’s son take over.  The premature loss of the owner, coupled with discord among the employees was affecting the overall health of company. By participating in several facilitated meetings that included the business owner, his wife, his son and the minority owner as well as other advisors to the business, the parties were able to agree to an ownership plan and division of responsibilities that allowed them to move forward and focus on the company.
  
  
• MWI worked with two business partners who had engaged MWI to help them work through some challenging issues involving their business partnership.  After almost 20 years of building a profitable venture, the business partners were having difficulty making decisions about distributing profits and the future of the business, including legacy issues.  After a few hours of mediation, the partners realized that while they had differing interests concerning the business, these interests were not incompatible.  They reached an agreement where one partner owned a majority of the business and the other partner was available as a consultant on special projects that required her expertise.
  
  

For more information about MWI's Closely Held & Family Business Mediation and Arbitration Services, please contact Lisette Smith at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800-348-4888 x25.