La Paix, the subsidiary of Aviva France that specialises in legal and tax protection, has announced a partnership with the Paris Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CMAP).
La Paix, the subsidiary of Aviva France that specialises in legal and tax protection, has announced a partnership with the Paris Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CMAP). This sees La Paix confirm its commitment to finding amicable solutions for its customers. Benefits include swifter settlement of disputes, joint solutions, salvaging the relationship between the parties, and so on.
When two parties have difficulty finding an amicable solution, legal action is not always the only way forward. In some cases, the intervention of an independent, impartial mediator can help them negotiate a solution to put an end to their dispute. Based on this conviction, in February 2007, La Paix approached the Paris Mediation and Arbitration Centre, renowned for its know-how and experience, to set out the foundations of a partnership. Thanks to the 80 CMAP mediators distributed throughout France, La Paix can now refer customers wanting to resolve their disputes amicably to this network of competent and experienced mediators.
Mediation works well in neighbourhood disputes, debt recovery cases or disputes linked to residential leases. It is particularly effective when there is a close relationship between the two parties (family, neighbours, company/supplier, etc), as mediation makes it possible to keep the relationship intact.
When a case is referred to the CMAP, it appoints a mediator who contacts the parties. Meetings with the parties are organised with a view to finding a solution that is satisfactory to all concerned. During these meetings, the parties may be assisted by a legal adviser. They can end the mediation process at any time. Once an agreement has been reached, the parties sign a settlement that remains completely confidential, even from La Paix. If mediation is unsuccessful, the case resumes its normal course and may end up in court. However, the CMAP claims a success rate of 80%. Convinced of the effectiveness of mediation as an alternative to litigation, La Paix plans to propose this solution in as many cases as possible.
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Press Contacts:
Estelle Joubert - Aviva France
Telephone: +33 (0)1 7662 5786
E-mail: estelle_joubert@aviva.fr
Agnès Busson - La Paix
Telephone: +33 (0)1 7662 4516
E-mail: agnes_busson@aviva.fr
Notes to editors:
About La Paix
Specialising in legal and tax protection, La Paix ranks fifth in the French market. 70% of its products are distributed by Aviva's network of general agents, 8% by Eurofil and the remaining 22% by its network of partners, which includes Sogessur, Gras Savoye and Crédit du Nord. In 2006, it recorded turnover of €37.25 billion. La Paix offers its customers 3 complete services: legal telephone helpline, legal assistance for litigation and the payment of legal expenses. Every year, La Paix responds to more than 150,000 calls and processes 22,000 disputes, with an amicable settlement success rate of 88%.
About Aviva
Aviva is Europe's leading provider of life insurance and retirement savings products with strong positions in other markets around the world. Based on gross premiums at 31 December 2005, Aviva was the world's fifth-largest insurance group. Aviva operates in three main areas: life insurance and long-term savings, asset management and non-life insurance. With more than 150 years' experience in France, Aviva is one of the top 10 players in the insurance market. Aviva France operates with a balanced multi-distribution model, which has proved hugely successful: 875 general agents, 1,800 branch staff, 400 life insurance advisers, 1,000+ brokers, and its partners (Union Financière de France and Médéric). Aviva France also has important partnerships with AFER, the largest savings association in France, and the Crédit du Nord Group. Specialising in unit-linked products, Aviva is recognised for the excellent performance of its long-term funds and solid commitment to its customers through its Good Advice approach. Aviva employs more than 3,200 staff. At 31 December 2006, Aviva France recorded consolidated sales of €6.4 billion, a consolidated operating profit of €689 million (based on the embedded value - EEV/IFRS standards) and managed assets worth €72.9 billion.