What role is the mediator prohibited from having in any legal proceedings related to the Bhc dispute?

According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the mediator is specifically disqualified from serving as a witness, expert, or legal counsel for either party involved in the dispute or any related matters. This restriction ensures the mediator's impartiality and prevents any potential bias in future legal proceedings.

This provision is designed to maintain the integrity of the mediation process. By preventing the mediator from acting as a witness, expert, or counsel, Bhc aims to ensure that the mediator's role remains solely focused on facilitating a resolution between the parties. This encourages open and honest communication during mediation, as neither party needs to fear that the mediator will later use information gained during mediation against them in court.

For a prospective Bhc franchisee, this means that the mediator's involvement is strictly limited to the mediation process itself. The franchisee can be confident that the mediator will not be able to testify against them or provide expert opinions in any subsequent legal proceedings. This can provide a sense of security and encourage franchisees to participate fully in the mediation process, with the goal of reaching a mutually agreeable resolution.