Page 11 - M & A Disputes
P. 11

Confirmation of the Absence of Known Conflicts of Interest and Disclosure of Existing or Prior
             Relationships ................................................................................................................................................. 70


             Right to Resign if a Conflict of Interest Arises That Would Impair Impartiality ......................................... 70

             Disclaimer That the Services Are Not an Audit ........................................................................................... 71

             Hold-Harmless Clause .................................................................................................................................. 71

             Identification of the Neutral Practitioner ...................................................................................................... 71

             Description of the Agreed-Upon Format or Process for the Proceeding ...................................................... 71


             Authority to Decide Issues of Discovery That May Arise ............................................................................ 72

             Confidentiality .............................................................................................................................................. 72

             Description of the Form of Award or Report That the Neutral Accountant Will Issue ................................ 72

             Language Reflecting Whether the Decision Is Final and Binding ............................................................... 73

             Fee and Billing Arrangements ...................................................................................................................... 73


             Include the Right to Retain Counsel to the Extent That You Need Guidance on Your Rights or Obligations
             Under the Agreement, on Your Scope, or to Address Any Areas That May Be of a Legal Nature and
             Outside Your Expertise ................................................................................................................................. 73

           Arbitration Process............................................................................................................................................ 73


             Preliminary Conference ................................................................................................................................ 74

             Discovery ...................................................................................................................................................... 74

             Written Statements ........................................................................................................................................ 75

             Questions From the Neutral Practitioner ...................................................................................................... 76


             Neutral Practitioner Interviews ..................................................................................................................... 76

             Neutral Practitioner Procedures .................................................................................................................... 77

             Hearings or Conferences ............................................................................................................................... 77

             Decision and Award (Reporting) .................................................................................................................. 78


           Engagement Performance ................................................................................................................................. 78

           Fee Allocation ................................................................................................................................................... 78

           General Guidelines and Professional Standards ............................................................................................... 79

           Enforceability of Awards .................................................................................................................................. 79


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