“The first is that we defined our working framework together, so we have a charter that we’ve both signed on the way I want them to collect; and then, the way they have to return the funds to me and the way we have to communicate together to ensure a rapid return of cash.
So, through this charter, we’ve given priority to dematerialization. Dematerialization means that all our invoices are no longer sent to the customer, but rather retrieved from the Internet site where we have them. So there are a certain number of models that have enabled the customer to save money, and for us to have a win/win relationship.
“So the specific features are very clearly the possibility of setting up two types of litigation scenario: a very legal litigation scenario, i.e. immediate legal action; and then, a more flexible litigation scenario, allowing for negotiation and setting up moratoriums, always with this customer support aspect in mind.
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 secondly, we have to continue to reduce our late payments, while remaining close to our customers, since if a customer, as I was saying earlier, has difficulties, we have to assess with him whether they 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: via the certification already offered by organizations like Certigreffe, it is possible to complete the payment order application form online, and it will soon be easy to formalize it in a totally 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.
