Our Unique Approach

PTB Business Consultants, founded by Simon Price in 2008, has consistently distinguished itself by resolving complex issues through innovative, outside-the-box thinking and using the law to our clients benefit.

Our approach avoids the lengthy, costly, and uncertain process of traditional court litigation or arguing issues that we can remove and win. Instead, we focus on managing issues creatively and effectively, ensuring that our clients not only resolve their issues but also regain control over the situation.

At PTB, we believe that the majority of issues can be settled outside of the court system, where we can secure outcomes that align with our clients’ best interests. read on to see how we provide an in-depth exploration of how we achieve these results and highlights Simon’s global experience.

PTB’s  Resolution Philosophy

The Essence of Control – At PTB, we believe that gaining and maintaining control is crucial when handling disputes, legal issues, visa matters or infact any other matters. Whether it’s a civil dispute, immigration issue, or legal concern, losing control often leads to outcomes that are beyond the client’s expectations or desires.

Court cases can leave individuals or businesses feeling powerless as the legal machinery takes over, dictating processes and outcomes with little input from those directly involved.

Our approach centers on gaining and maintaining control throughout the process. By resolving disputes outside of the court system, PTB can tailor solutions that better align with our clients’ goals. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or private settlements, we ensure that our clients have more say in the process and the outcome. This is the core of PTB’s philosophy.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

PTB operates across a diverse range of jurisdictions, including Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, the EU, and the Middle East. Each region presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. By developing a thorough understanding of these different country systems, PTB navigates local complexities with ease, ensuring that the strategies we employ are both effective and culturally appropriate.

Creative and Effective Resolution Techniques

Control Negotiation and Mediation: The Foundation of Civil Dispute Resolution

The core of PTB’s approach lies in negotiation and mediation. PTB believe that almost any dispute can be resolved by finding common ground and creating a win-win situation. 

Controlling Disputes and Legal Issues Outside the Courtroom

Escalating disputes to court can be both time-consuming and expensive. Worse still, once inside the courtroom, clients often feel sidelined as lawyers, judges, and legal procedures take control. At PTB, we aim to avoid this by resolving disputes through alternative methods such as direct negotiation, arbitration, and collaborative processes.

By keeping control over the dialogue and negotiations, we ensure that the settlements we craft serve our clients’ best interests, not just the convenience of the legal system. We craft creative solutions that align with the unique dynamics of each issue and prioritize the interests of all parties involved. This allows us to achieve efficient and effective resolutions that meet, and often exceed, our clients’ expectations.

in the process and the outcome. This is the core of PTB’s philosophy.

Visa Issues and Immigration Control

Dealing with visa complications, particularly blacklisting and immigration issues, requires a delicate balance of understanding legal frameworks while maintaining flexibility. PTB specializes in helping individuals navigate visa issues by applying a controlled, strategic approach that keeps us one step ahead of traditional immigration systems.

We utilize our extensive knowledge and personal relationships with immigration authorities to achieve faster results for clients, ensuring we take control of the process from the start.

Bending but Not Breaking the Law

One of PTB’s defining principles is our ability to work within the law while pushing its limits. We recognize that the legal system is complex and often inflexible, but there are many gray areas and legal precedents that can be leveraged for our clients’ benefit. We don’t break the law, but we aren’t afraid to bend it.

By carefully interpreting legal frameworks and utilizing alternative resolution methods, we provide creative solutions that traditional legal approaches often overlook. This is especially important in areas like visa issues and civil disputes, where non-conventional solutions are sometimes the most effective.

Client-Centric Solutions

At PTB, we understand that our clients’ expectations are the top priority. We are committed to achieving results that are tailored to their unique situations, rather than settling for the easiest or most conventional outcomes. Whether dealing with a dispute, legal concern, or immigration issue, we work closely with our clients to understand their goals and ensure that we deliver the best possible results.

We are not a traditional law firm. Instead, we are consultants who understand the legal landscape and know how to work within and beyond it to achieve the best outcomes. We bend and adapt legal processes to maintain control, ensuring that the results align with what our clients truly want.

Why Choose PTB?

  • Control Over Outcomes: By avoiding court-based resolutions, we ensure that clients retain control over their cases.
  • Creative Problem Solving: We think outside the box to deliver results 
  • Legally Sound, Yet Flexible: We leverage legal gray areas and precedents to ensure the best possible results.
  • Client-First Focus: Your goals drive our approach, and we prioritize results that serve your interests

At PTB, we pride ourselves on handling disputes, legal issues, and visa matters with expertise, control, and creativity. We believe that the best outcomes are achieved when we manage and control the process, maintain flexibility, and focus on delivering what our clients truly need. Whether navigating complex legal issues or resolving visa challenges, PTB is here to help you achieve success.

Success Stories

Case Brief:

Commercial Contract Dispute in Australia

Case Overview:  A commercial contract dispute arose between two Australian companies over an alleged breach of contract. The dispute threatened both companies with significant financial losses and the potential collapse of their long-standing business relationship. PTB Business Consultants, led by Simon Price, was enlisted to intervene and resolve the matter without resorting to formal litigation.

Issue: The breach of contract involved disagreements over the delivery of goods and compliance with terms outlined in a supply agreement. Both parties were unable to reconcile these differences on their own and were heading toward costly litigation.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Identifying the Root Cause:
    Simon Price conducted an in-depth analysis of the contract and the circumstances that led to the dispute. He identified several points of contention, including unclear delivery schedules and discrepancies in product specifications that contributed to the breach.

  2. Negotiation Process:
    Simon initiated direct negotiations between the two companies, fostering open communication and emphasizing the mutual benefits of resolving the issue amicably. By carefully mediating the discussions, he guided both parties toward recognizing the shared value of continuing their business relationship and avoiding litigation.

  3. Contract Restructuring:
    To resolve the dispute, Simon proposed a restructuring of the original contract terms. The new terms addressed the ambiguities that had caused the initial conflict, including clarifications on product specifications and revised delivery timelines. This allowed both companies to meet their contractual obligations while maintaining flexibility.

Outcome: The dispute was successfully resolved outside of court. PTB’s intervention resulted in a renegotiated contract that both parties were satisfied with. The companies avoided the financial burden and public exposure of litigation, preserving their business relationship and allowing operations to continue smoothly.

Arbitration as a Backup Plan: Though the negotiation was successful, PTB had also considered arbitration as a potential alternative if the negotiations had failed. Arbitration, being less formal and more flexible than court proceedings, was prepared as a backup strategy to ensure a legally binding resolution. PTB’s arbitration approach would have involved selecting a neutral arbitrator familiar with commercial law, allowing for a swift and final resolution.

Key Takeaway: PTB Business Consultants demonstrated their expertise in resolving complex commercial disputes by employing negotiation and mediation strategies that avoided litigation. Simon’s ability to identify the core issues, restructure contract terms, and maintain open communication between parties led to a successful outcome, saving both companies time, resources, and their working relationship.

Case Brief:

Property Dispute in the Philippines

Case Overview:
A family-owned business in the Philippines was involved in a complex property dispute concerning the ownership and use of a valuable commercial plot of land. The dispute threatened to severely disrupt the business operations and involved legal complexities that could have resulted in a prolonged court battle.

Issue:
The dispute revolved around conflicting claims to the property, with a rival party asserting ownership rights over the land. This dispute not only endangered the business’s access to critical commercial real estate but also risked significant financial losses due to the potential inability to continue operating on the property.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Arbitration Over Litigation:
    PTB, led by Simon Price, advised the client to avoid traditional court proceedings due to the likely extended duration and high costs. Instead, the firm recommended arbitration as a faster, more cost-effective solution. Arbitration was chosen to ensure a legally binding outcome with the flexibility to avoid some of the rigid formalities of the court system.

  2. Managing the Arbitration Process:
    PTB took full control of the arbitration process, ensuring that it was conducted efficiently. Simon Price worked with both parties to select an experienced arbitrator familiar with property law in the Philippines, and the proceedings were streamlined to focus on the core legal and factual disputes. By managing documentation and evidence presentation, PTB ensured that the arbitration was conducted in a timely manner, which saved both parties time and resources.

  3. Favorable Decision:
    Through strategic planning and detailed knowledge of local property laws, PTB successfully presented the client’s case, leading to a favorable decision in arbitration. The ruling confirmed the family business’s rightful claim to the commercial land, securing their continued operation without disruption.

Outcome:
The arbitration process was concluded in a fraction of the time it would have taken to litigate the matter in court. PTB’s adept handling of the case resulted in a decisive victory for the client, allowing them to retain full control over the commercial property while avoiding the cost, delays, and publicity associated with a court trial.

Private Settlements:
While arbitration proved effective in this instance, PTB also specializes in facilitating private settlements when appropriate. These confidential settlements allow parties to resolve disputes behind closed doors, preserving privacy and preventing public scrutiny. PTB has found that such arrangements offer flexibility, enabling creative solutions that wouldn’t typically be available in court, making them ideal for sensitive personal or business matters.

Key Takeaway:
PTB’s expertise in arbitration and private settlements provided a swift and favorable resolution to a potentially costly and prolonged property dispute. Simon Price’s proactive and strategic approach in avoiding litigation through arbitration allowed the family business to secure its property rights, protecting both its operations and financial future.

Case Brief:

  • Corporate Dispute
  • Location: London
  • Time on Case: 26 Calendar Day

Case Overview:
A high-profile corporate dispute emerged in London involving allegations of intellectual property (IP) theft. One of the parties, a well-established company, accused a competitor of unlawfully using proprietary designs and technological innovations. The potential public lawsuit threatened to damage both companies’ reputations, with significant financial and legal implications.

Issue:
The central issue revolved around the unauthorized use of IP, which could have led to prolonged litigation, massive legal costs, and significant public scrutiny. Both companies were keen to protect their market positions and reputations while finding an efficient and discreet resolution to the dispute.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Private Settlement Negotiation:
    PTB, led by Simon Price, recognized that a public lawsuit would not serve the best interests of either party. With this understanding, Simon leveraged his experience in dispute resolution to propose a private settlement. PTB’s approach involved confidential discussions between both companies, avoiding the press and public exposure that would have come with formal legal proceedings.

  2. Compensation Agreement:
    Simon facilitated a series of negotiations, focusing on constructive dialogue between the companies. PTB worked closely with legal representatives on both sides to secure a compensation agreement. The settlement compensated PTB’s client for the intellectual property infringement, while also preserving the competitor’s reputation.

  3. Protection of Public Image:
    One of the most critical aspects of the settlement was the protection of both companies’ public images. By resolving the dispute behind closed doors, PTB ensured that neither party suffered reputational harm, which would have affected their standing in the marketplace. The result was a swift, quiet resolution that allowed both companies to continue their operations without distraction.

Outcome:
The case was settled privately with both parties agreeing to a compensation package. PTB’s involvement not only helped the client recover damages for the IP theft but also avoided the lengthy and costly process of a public lawsuit. Furthermore, both companies emerged from the situation without any public backlash, allowing them to maintain their standing in the industry.

Collaborative Law:
This case also exemplifies PTB’s proficiency in collaborative law. Instead of opting for an adversarial approach, PTB facilitated open communication and promoted cooperative discussions. By focusing on collaboration rather than confrontation, Simon Price ensured a mutually beneficial solution. Collaborative law is a hallmark of PTB’s practice, as it fosters transparency, cooperation, and forward-looking outcomes, ensuring that disputes are resolved efficiently without the need for court intervention.

Key Takeaway:
Through the use of private settlement negotiation and collaborative law, PTB resolved a complex corporate dispute without the need for a public trial. Simon Price’s skillful mediation ensured that the intellectual property theft was addressed, while both companies were able to protect their public reputations and continue business operations without disruption.

Case Brief:

  • Tenant Eviction – London

Non-commercial Tenent removal typically takes 4 to 6 weeks and cost as a fixed fee between £5,000 and £10,000 + Pre-Agreed Expenses

Our processes are legal and effective – but we have a 100% success rate on Tenent evictions and all are completed within 6 weeks (42 working days).

Tenent Evictions:

      • Australia
      • UK
      • France
      • USA
      • Canada
      • New Zealand

Case Overview:
In London, PTB Business Consultants was approached by a property owner who was dealing with a particularly challenging tenant eviction case. The tenants had refused to pay rent for several months and were resisting efforts to vacate the property. The client had already spent more than £15,000 using local solicitors but had seen no significant progress in over 18 months, leaving the property in a legal limbo.

Issue:
The primary issue was the landlord’s inability to reclaim possession of their property due to the tenants’ refusal to vacate and the slow-moving legal process through traditional methods. The landlord had been paying significant legal fees without any resolution, resulting in financial stress and frustration.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Assessment and Strategy Development:
    Simon Price and the PTB team quickly identified that the traditional legal route was proving inefficient and costly for the client. Rather than continue with slow-moving litigation, PTB proposed a more efficient and results-oriented approach. Simon devised a plan bending little known laws to expedite the tenant removal process.

  2. Negotiation and Private Settlement:
    PTB focused on using private negotiations to reach a settlement that would achieve the landlord’s goal of reclaiming the property without further delays. Simon worked with the tenants and their representatives to secure an agreement. By working outside the formal court system and utilizing strategic negotiations, PTB avoided the bureaucracy that often prolongs eviction cases.

  3. Fixed-Fee, Quick Solution:
    Unlike the previous costly legal attempts, PTB offered an upfront fixed-fee service at £5,250. This covered all services related to removing the tenants and reclaiming the property. PTB’s approach minimized costs for the client while delivering results far quicker than traditional legal avenues. Within just three weeks from the date of appointment, PTB successfully evicted the tenants, returning the property to the landlord.

Outcome:
Thanks to PTB’s creative, lateral approach, the client was able to resolve an 18-month eviction issue within just three weeks. The tenants were removed from the property, allowing the landlord to regain possession and eliminate further financial losses. Simon’s method of bending the law—while still working within legal limits—allowed for a rapid, cost-effective solution that avoided the prolonged delays of a formal legal eviction.

Civil Law Focus: Tenant Removal
This case demonstrates PTB’s expertise in navigating civil law with innovative strategies that prioritize efficiency and client satisfaction. By bending, but not breaking, the law, PTB ensures that clients achieve their desired outcomes swiftly and without unnecessary legal costs. In this case, PTB’s focus on tenant removal proved instrumental in delivering results that traditional solicitors failed to achieve.

Key Takeaway:
PTB’s approach to tenant eviction is both cost-effective and efficient. Simon Price’s ability to bypass the slow-moving court system and achieve tenant removal through strategic legal loopholes ensured that the client’s property was reclaimed in just three weeks. PTB’s fixed-fee structure also provided financial transparency, delivering the client peace of mind and a fast resolution.

Case Brief:

Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal (VCAT) Case Involving Elderly Client in Melbourne

Case Overview:
In Melbourne, PTB Business Consultants was retained by a 79-year-old client, who had been living a peaceful life in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, with his Vietnamese wife. His life took a dramatic turn when his daughter, using an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA), seized control of his assets, property, and finances, leaving him without access to his investments and pension funds. The client’s property, including a house in Bendigo, Australia, had been taken, and the client was struggling without the necessary financial support to continue his life in Vietnam.

Local solicitors in Australia had been handling the case for over 18 months with no progress, resulting in significant legal fees but no resolution. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which was overseeing the case, had made little headway in addressing the injustice the elderly client faced.

The Issue:
Our client’s daughter had invoked her EPOA rights and taken control of his entire financial portfolio and property. This left him unable to access his money or assets, forcing him into a difficult situation despite having substantial wealth in investments and pensions. The traditional legal channels in Australia were proving ineffective, with no solution in sight after 18 months of legal wrangling and mounting costs.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Immediate Action and Removal of VCAT:
    Upon taking on the case, Simon Price quickly recognized that the VCAT process was unnecessarily delaying the resolution. Simon immediately worked to remove VCAT from the equation, streamlining the process and focusing directly on recovering the client’s assets and rectifying the misuse of the EPOA by the daughter.

  2. EPOA Revocation and Recovery of Assets:
    Simon took swift legal action to revoke the daughter’s EPOA, effectively removing her control over the client’s assets. Once the EPOA was revoked, PTB was able to recover AUD $1,798,356 in investments and pension funds, which had been withheld from the client. Additionally, PTB secured the return of the client’s house in Bendigo, which was also under the daughter’s control.

  3. Private Settlement and Property Recovery:
    Instead of continuing with a public lawsuit that would have been drawn out and potentially damaging to family relationships, PTB negotiated a private settlement. This allowed the client to regain control of his property and finances without subjecting the family to public scrutiny. The settlement was structured in a way that protected the dignity of both the client and his daughter while ensuring that the client received what he was entitled to.

  4. Costs and Time Efficiency:
    PTB’s fixed fees for the case amounted to AUD $11,200, with additional expenses totaling AUD $2,324. Despite the complexity of the case and the long delays caused by the previous legal team, Simon was able to resolve the matter in just 33 calendar days. This quick turnaround was crucial to restoring the client’s financial stability and ensuring his continued well-being in Vietnam.

Outcome:
Within just over a month, Simon and PTB were able to restore the client’s access to his wealth, revoke his daughter’s EPOA, and return his house in Bendigo. This resolution not only ensured the client’s financial security but also allowed him to maintain his life with his wife in HCMC without further legal or financial stress.

Ongoing Support:
PTB continues to maintain contact with the client, ensuring that he is well cared for and that his assets remain secure. PTB’s commitment to long-term client support is a hallmark of their service, providing not only immediate resolutions but also ongoing peace of mind.

Key Takeaway:
This case highlights PTB’s ability to take decisive action in civil matters, particularly where traditional legal avenues have failed. Simon Price’s expertise in managing complex family and financial disputes ensured that the client’s rights were protected and his assets were recovered in record time. PTB’s creative and effective approach to resolving legal issues outside of court saved the client from further legal fees and delays, delivering a successful outcome within just 33 days.

Case Brief:

Contract Dispute Between New Zealand Tech Company and Chinese Manufacturer

Case Overview: PTB Business Consultants was engaged to resolve a complex contract dispute between a New Zealand-based technology company and a Chinese manufacturer. The disagreement arose over a breach in the original terms of the contract, as both companies had experienced shifts in their business operations, rendering parts of the contract unworkable. The New Zealand company faced significant potential losses due to the dispute, which threatened both their business relationship and ongoing projects with the manufacturer.

The Issue: The core of the dispute involved delays in the delivery of components from the Chinese manufacturer, which were crucial for the technology company’s production cycle. The original contract did not account for changes in production timelines, leading to tension between the two parties. The New Zealand company argued that the delays were causing significant financial strain, while the Chinese manufacturer cited external factors and supply chain disruptions beyond their control.

Without a renegotiated agreement, the New Zealand company faced millions in potential losses, while the manufacturer risked losing a long-standing client and damaging their reputation.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Comprehensive Contract Review: Simon Price and his team at PTB conducted an in-depth review of the original contract to identify areas where the terms no longer reflected the realities of both businesses. The analysis revealed several clauses that were outdated due to shifts in the global supply chain and production methods, which had evolved since the contract was first signed.

  2. Negotiation and Mediation: Rather than pursuing litigation, PTB focused on bringing both parties to the table to renegotiate the contract. Simon’s approach centered on open communication and understanding the underlying business pressures faced by both sides. By acting as a neutral intermediary, PTB facilitated a constructive dialogue between the companies, focusing on long-term cooperation rather than short-term legal battles.

  3. Contract Modification: PTB helped structure a new set of contract terms that accommodated the manufacturer’s supply chain disruptions while ensuring the New Zealand tech company received the necessary components within a revised but acceptable timeframe. This involved adjusting delivery schedules, renegotiating penalties for future delays, and incorporating flexibility clauses to handle any unforeseen disruptions.

  4. Avoiding Litigation and Protecting Business Relationships: PTB’s creative approach not only avoided a costly and time-consuming court battle but also preserved the long-standing business relationship between the New Zealand company and the Chinese manufacturer. By focusing on renegotiation and contract restructuring, PTB prevented financial losses for both parties and ensured that their commercial partnership could continue.

Outcome: The renegotiated contract saved both companies millions in potential losses by avoiding litigation and aligning the contract terms with the evolving needs of both businesses. The New Zealand tech company was able to maintain their production schedule, and the Chinese manufacturer continued to supply components under the revised agreement, allowing both businesses to thrive.

Key Takeaway: This case demonstrates PTB’s expertise in handling contract disputes across multiple jurisdictions. By focusing on negotiation and practical solutions, Simon Price and his team were able to resolve the conflict efficiently while preserving valuable business relationships. PTB’s ability to navigate complex international agreements and facilitate productive renegotiation saved both parties from financial strain and ensured a successful long-term partnership.

Case Brief:

Contested Inheritance Case in Myanmar

Case Overview: PTB Business Consultants was retained to resolve a highly sensitive family-related civil dispute involving a contested inheritance in Myanmar. The case revolved around the division of assets left by the family patriarch, who had passed away without leaving a clear will. Multiple family members were involved, each with conflicting claims to the estate, which included significant property and business assets.

The Issue: The dispute arose when one faction of the family attempted to claim the majority of the inheritance, citing historical contributions to the family business. Other relatives, feeling excluded and unfairly treated, sought to challenge these claims, which led to heightened tensions and the threat of a legal battle that could tear the family apart.

Without clear legal documentation, the dispute became increasingly complicated. The risk of prolonged litigation was high, which would not only strain family relationships but could also lead to public exposure, damaging the family’s reputation and their business interests.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Sensitive Mediation: Simon Price and the PTB team recognized the importance of preserving family unity while also ensuring that the inheritance was divided fairly. PTB approached the case with sensitivity, understanding the emotional weight behind each claim. The team initiated mediation sessions where family members could openly discuss their positions without the threat of legal proceedings hanging over them.

  2. Neutral Evaluation of Assets: PTB organized a comprehensive assessment of the family’s assets, including property, investments, and business holdings. Simon worked with neutral third-party evaluators to ensure transparency in the valuation process, which helped ease tensions and establish a fair baseline for negotiations.

  3. Crafting a Fair Settlement: PTB facilitated the drafting of a settlement agreement that allowed for a proportional division of the inheritance. Simon and his team were able to restructure the division so that all parties received an equitable share of the assets, taking into account both their contributions to the family business and the emotional bonds they shared with the patriarch.

  4. Avoiding Court and Public Scrutiny: PTB’s creative approach to conflict resolution helped the family avoid a lengthy and public court battle. By settling the dispute through negotiation, the family maintained their privacy and prevented any potential damage to their business reputation. The entire process was conducted discreetly, and the final agreement was reached within weeks, far faster than the traditional legal route.

Outcome: PTB successfully negotiated a private settlement that resulted in a fair division of the estate. The family was able to preserve their relationships and avoid the divisiveness that often accompanies inheritance disputes. Moreover, the settlement allowed them to protect the family business from the negative publicity that a public court case could have generated.

PTB’s Fees: PTB charged the family a flat fee of USD $8,500 for managing the mediation and settlement process. Additional expenses, including asset evaluation and third-party mediation services, amounted to USD $2,750. The entire process was completed in just 42 days, much faster and more cost-effective than a court trial would have been.

Key Takeaway: This case highlights PTB’s expertise in resolving family-related civil disputes with a focus on maintaining harmony and avoiding litigation. Simon Price’s ability to mediate complex emotional and financial issues allowed for a swift and equitable settlement, ensuring that the family could move forward without enduring a protracted legal battle. PTB’s diplomatic approach and fair settlement ensured that family bonds were maintained while securing a just outcome for all parties involved.

Case Brief:

Contested Property Dispute in Thailand

Case Overview: PTB Business Consultants was retained to resolve a contentious property dispute involving a valuable piece of commercial real estate in Thailand. The dispute arose between two local business owners, each claiming ownership of the property based on overlapping legal documentation. The land in question held significant commercial potential, and the legal battle over it threatened to become a prolonged and costly litigation process.

The Issue: The property had been purchased by one party several years prior, but unclear land records and conflicting claims over title deeds led to a second business owner asserting ownership. As both parties had invested considerable time and resources into their claims, the dispute escalated rapidly, with both sides preparing for a legal battle that could jeopardize their businesses.

The local court system was already burdened with similar land disputes, meaning any litigation could take years to resolve. Both parties wanted to avoid a prolonged court case, but neither was willing to relinquish their claim.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Understanding Local Land Laws: Simon Price and the PTB team collaborated with local Thai legal experts to fully understand the nuances of Thai property law. This ensured that the negotiations took into account all legal precedents and cultural aspects of land ownership in the region. Simon’s team also conducted a thorough investigation of the land records and claims, identifying the legal and administrative issues causing the dispute.

  2. Mediation and Joint Venture Proposal: PTB saw the potential for a resolution that would not only resolve the ownership dispute but also turn the situation into a win-win for both parties. Simon initiated mediation, offering both business owners an alternative to litigation: the formation of a joint venture. By combining their interests in the disputed property, both parties could leverage its commercial value without having to fight over who held title.

  3. Creative Resolution Strategy: The joint venture approach allowed both parties to retain ownership stakes in the property while developing it together. PTB helped structure the terms of the partnership, ensuring each party had clear responsibilities and shares in the profits. By doing this, the conflict was transformed from a zero-sum game into a profitable business collaboration. Simon’s lateral thinking and focus on creative dispute resolution were instrumental in turning a legal conflict into a commercial opportunity.

  4. Avoiding Court Costs and Delays: The joint venture agreement also enabled both business owners to avoid the long delays and high costs associated with court proceedings. PTB’s role in facilitating the negotiations and drafting the agreement allowed both parties to move forward with development on the property, unlocking its full commercial potential much sooner than a legal resolution would have allowed.

Outcome: The parties reached an agreement to form a joint venture, where both retained ownership stakes in the property and agreed to develop it as a shared business venture. This resolution not only avoided court but also created a new profitable business opportunity for both sides. The dispute was resolved in just 50 days, whereas litigation could have taken several years to finalize.

PTB’s Fees: PTB charged a fixed fee of USD $22,500 for handling the mediation and joint venture negotiations. Expenses, including local legal consultations and administrative costs, totaled USD $3,400. Given the value of the property and the potential earnings from the joint venture, the parties viewed this as a highly cost-effective solution to a protracted and contentious dispute.

Key Takeaway: This case underscores PTB’s ability to turn seemingly intractable disputes into opportunities for cooperation and profit. Simon Price’s deep understanding of local legal frameworks and innovative approach to conflict resolution allowed the business owners to avoid court and transform their dispute into a successful commercial partnership. PTB’s commitment to finding creative, win-win solutions set the stage for a profitable outcome while preserving business relationships and avoiding costly litigation.

Case Brief:

High-Stakes Business Partnership Dispute in the UK

Case Overview: PTB Business Consultants was brought in to handle a high-stakes partnership dispute involving a successful UK-based technology company. The dispute occurred between two business partners who had built the company together over several years. Due to differences in management style and strategic direction, the relationship between the partners deteriorated, jeopardizing the future of the business.

One partner wanted to exit the business, but negotiations on the buyout of their shares had reached an impasse, threatening to lead to a drawn-out and costly litigation process.

The Issue: The primary conflict stemmed from disagreements over the valuation of the company and the buyout price. The partner seeking to exit believed that the business was undervalued, while the remaining partner contended that the company’s future growth potential had already been factored into the valuation. This stalemate risked collapsing the business, as neither party was willing to compromise on the financial terms.

Additionally, the dispute had caused tensions within the company, affecting staff morale and operational performance. Both parties recognized the need for a quick resolution but were unable to reach an agreement on their own.

PTB’s Role and Approach:

  1. Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Simon Price and the PTB team were appointed to mediate the dispute, helping both parties move beyond their emotional and personal grievances. PTB focused on creating a neutral environment where the interests of both partners could be discussed pragmatically, without escalating the conflict further.

  2. Accurate Business Valuation: PTB brought in external experts to conduct a thorough and independent valuation of the business. By ensuring that both partners trusted the valuation process, Simon was able to remove one of the key sticking points in the negotiations. This third-party assessment provided a clear and transparent basis for determining the buyout price, which both parties accepted.

  3. Structured Buyout Agreement: Once the valuation was agreed upon, PTB structured a buyout agreement that accommodated both parties’ needs. The partner exiting the business wanted to secure their payout quickly, while the remaining partner needed flexibility to manage the financial impact of the buyout on the company. PTB developed a staggered payment plan that allowed the remaining partner to finance the buyout without putting undue strain on the company’s cash flow.

  4. Avoiding Court Proceedings: The most significant aspect of PTB’s intervention was avoiding a court case. Had the dispute gone to litigation, both partners would have faced significant legal fees, and the case could have taken years to resolve, further damaging the business. PTB’s solution ensured that the matter was settled privately, efficiently, and at a fraction of the cost of going to court.

Outcome: Thanks to PTB’s negotiation and mediation efforts, the two business partners reached a fair and amicable agreement. The exiting partner sold their shares at an agreed-upon value and received their payout over a structured period. The remaining partner retained full ownership of the company and was able to continue operations without the financial burden of an immediate lump-sum payment.

The resolution took less than 45 days, preserving the company’s stability and enabling both partners to part ways without resentment or ongoing legal battles.

PTB’s Fees: PTB charged a fixed fee of GBP £18,750 for their mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution services. Additional expenses, including expert business valuation costs, totaled GBP £4,100. This swift and efficient resolution saved both parties from the much higher costs of litigation and prevented further disruption to the business.

Key Takeaway: This case exemplifies PTB’s skill in resolving complex partnership disputes in a way that minimizes financial loss and preserves relationships. Simon Price’s expertise in business mediation, combined with an emphasis on pragmatic solutions, allowed both partners to achieve their goals without the need for court intervention. PTB’s ability to navigate high-stakes business disputes ensures that clients can move forward confidently, with a focus on long-term success.