Veil Jourde “Mornings”: Business Mediation: A Tool for Managing Litigation Risk

We were delighted to welcome Denis Musson and Paul Rolland from Equanim International at our session dedicated to business mediation.

It was a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion with our partner Maxime de Guillenchmidt, focusing on this tool that has become a key component of the legal landscape—an alternative to litigation procedures, geared towards economic and industrial pragmatism, the preservation of commercial relationships, and the construction of sustainable solutions.

Key takeaways from their discussion:

— The new provisions introduced by the decree of July 18, 2025 do not constitute a revolution, but represent an important step forward in strengthening the culture of mediation in France—an evolution worth highlighting.

— The growth of mediation is shaping a new landscape where mediation becomes a genuine factor of legal competitiveness. Paris, as a leading legal hub, has a significant role to play in this dynamic.

— Mediation offers a particularly effective response to the conflicts inherent in business life, which are estimated to cost €30 billion, especially in M&A disputes, governance conflicts, and intellectual property matters. It allows for business-oriented solutions, in contrast to court rulings.

— Even when it does not lead to an agreement, mediation can spark a constructive dynamic by helping the parties gain clarity on the root of their conflict and paving the way for future transactional solutions.

— The mediator’s profile is obviously a key factor, but the lawyer can also play a crucial role in the success of mediation. Being at the heart of the matter and attuned to their client’s sensitivities, the lawyer can help foster a balanced solution that works for all parties involved.

A warm thank you to Denis Musson and Paul Rolland for joining us, and to all the participants for the richness of their shared experiences!