“Cabinet ARC really appealed to me in terms of the way in which our framework was set upfor two reasons: the first is that we have Together we defined the frameworkSo we have a charter that we’ve both signed on the way I want him to collect; and then, the way he has to return the funds to me and of how to communicate with each other for a quick return on cash.
So, through this charter, we have given priority to dematerialization. Dematerialization means that we no longer transmit all our invoices, but that he comes and picks them up on the website where we have them, so there are a certain number of models that have enabled him to make savings too, and for us to have a win/win relationship.
“So the specifics are very clearly the possibility of setting up two types of litigation scenarios a litigation scenario that is very legalwhich means immediate legal action; and then, a litigation scenario that is either more flexibleWe’ve also set up a system that enables us to negotiate and set up moratoria, always with a view to supporting our customers.
But what really appealed to me was Cabinet ARC’s legal expertise in using the right procedure, making the right seizures, as they explained, and enabling a rapid return of funds.”
“The stakes in collections are high, especially in today’s difficult business environment. So, we have two impacts: the LME effectively, since we have a derogatory agreement which means that the payment terms we have to recover with the implementation of the LME are effective; and the second issue is effectively continue to reduce our payment arrears, while remaining close to our customers, because if a customer, as I said earlier, has difficulties, we need to assess with them whether these are temporary or major difficulties”.
Jérôme Mandrillon shares his views on debt collection procedures at European level.
What do you think of the new regulations introduced in the European Union?
Jérôme Mandrillon: The abolition of the exequatur procedure is an undeniable step forward for European law, saving a great deal of time in the registration of recovery claims. But what can be considered a real revolution is the introduction of the European payment order.
Why is this a revolution?
J. M. : In fact, the dematerialization of documents is the real challenge The certification already offered by organizations such as Certigreffe makes it possible to complete the payment order application form online, and it will soon be possible to formalize it in a completely dematerialized way. This will make the collection procedure and the enforcement of court rulings even more efficient.
At LafargeHolcim, do you use Cabinet Arc?
J. M.: We don’t do a lot of interstate litigation, but we do work on a number of cases with Cabinet ARC. I’ve known this firm for nearly fifteen years, and appreciate its reliability and speed. We can rely on ARC’s lawyers to adapt to the degree of speed required for each case, and can monitor developments and the status of ongoing proceedings in real time. I see ARC as a true long-term partner.
