As an alternative to business litigation, mediation of business disputes is typically less expensive and less time-consuming, leaves control in the hands of the disputing parties rather than a judge and jury, and leaves the parties free to fashion their own solutions. Mediation also provides the opportunity to resolve a dispute in a non-adversarial way so that valuable business relationships may continue.

Since 1988 The Center for Resolution of Disputes has mediated over 525 commercial/business disputes in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and other Ohio and Kentucky cities. Many of the disputes mediated have included more than two parties. Frequently four or five parties are involved. In one commercial construction dispute, 22 business parties participated.

The disputes mediated have covered a wide range of business issues, including:

• disputes related to business mergers and acquisitions
• disputes between business purchasers and suppliers
• disputes between franchisers and franchisees of businesses and between manufacturers and manufacturer’s representatives
• disputes among business partners or shareholders of closed corporations
• disputes over construction defects, delays, and other post-construction problems

Our mediators take an active role in resolving business disputes. They assist the parties to implement an effective process, to clearly identify their interests and goals, and to identify and develop necessary information to be shared. They facilitate the discussions and give feedback to the business parties on the legal and factual issues from a neutral perspective. Our mediators view each mediation among businesses as unique. We approach mediation as a fluid process in which decisions about the best ways to help the parties are made as the mediation unfolds.