We are pleased to share that we obtained a favorable award for our client in a highly significant international commercial arbitration. The outcome constitutes a victory whose value —in US dollars— is estimated at nine figures, considering both the compensation awarded and the scope of the declarations that protect our client's long-term contractual rights.
The controversy arose from interlocking distribution and franchise agreements in the health, wellness, and fitness retail sector, in which we represented the franchisee. The agreements were governed by Pennsylvania and Mexican law, creating a complex cross-border legal framework. The central issues in the arbitration included the parties' conduct over more than three decades, obligations of compromise and mutual benefit, contractual interpretation under both legal systems, standards of good faith, and the doctrine of equitable estoppel.
The proceedings were brought before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), the international division of the American Arbitration Association (AAAThe arbitral tribunal granted our client a broad declaration of rights, in addition to awarding damages; it dismissed all counterclaims filed by the opposing party; and ordered the opposing party to cover all administrative costs and the arbitral tribunal's fees. Furthermore, the award safeguards our client's long-term contractual rights going forward.
Carlos Brehm He was Santamarina's partner who represented our client in this international commercial arbitration, together with a great team of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP., led by the partner Lucas Loviscek, achieving an outstanding result for our client after a complex and large-scale procedure.
This result reflects our commitment to the strategic defense of our clients' interests in cross-border disputes, complex retail and franchise sector matters, and in the most relevant international commercial arbitrations.
