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PARTNERSHIP DISSOLUTIONS Example:
One business partner has decided to no longer be in partnership with the
other; it is a painful situation for both. They know they have to make
many decisions about how best to dissolve and to part ways.
Example: Two partners have decided to wind down the business
and sell it to a third party. The rights to certain work-product are in
question. A potential third party buyer, the son of the partners, has
a number of concerns.
Example: Four siblings are co-owners of a business and
a beach house, all left to them by their deceased parents. Two have decided
they want out of the partnership. The business and the beach house are
both valuable properties, but the actual value of each is also in contention.
Partnership dissolutions or potential dissolutions are rarely easy and
often highly emotional. Whether involving two or more partners--family
members, friends or business associates--mediation is ideal for partnership
changes and potential dissolutions. The partners may either no longer
be talking productively to each other or they may be getting along well
but know they have to face difficult decision making and, in either event,
want to ensure and preserve their relationship and personal integrity
after the buyout, dissolution or reconfiguration. Such mediations are
typically requested by one of the partners, or more frequently by a family
member of one of the partners or by another employee within the business
who recognizes the delicate aspects or the potential corrosive aspects
of the situation.
Mediation is a confidential, facilitated process of discussion and negotiation
that allows the participants involved in a conflict or a dispute about
a partnership dissolution, the opportunity to exchange divergent views,
ask questions, and discuss difficult topics with the assistance of a third
party neutral mediator as they explore and find mutually acceptable and/or
understandable solutions. Additionally, many business partners and families
are finding that instead of avoiding discussion of the painful or messy
aspects of a partnership dissolution, mediation is a preferred choice
with outcomes of quality interaction and greater understanding. And when
chosen, parties often find workable resolutions for all concerned. Greater
understanding alone lessens what can otherwise be a devastating experience
for the partners or family and the generations to follow.
Family business partners and their families who are affected by the partnership
dissolutions have also relied upon Baltimore Mediation for the facilitation
of quality dialogue for those matters where there may not necessarily
be a “dispute” or the possibility of a different substantive
outcome, but where there are divergent opinions being expressed or where
there is not the opportunity for such expression within the family otherwise.
In such event, these family partnership mediations often involve multiple
participants and the outcomes are relief, clarified relationships, lessening
of resentment, greater understanding and acceptance and often the reestablishment
of good will.
Baltimore Mediation also offers conflict resolution and Enneagram training
to families struggling through such difficult business and personal decision
making. See customized training and Enneagram
workshops.
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