TransPerfect, the language service provider, is involved in a dispute over the company’s sale.  According to the lawyer representing one of the company’s co-CEOs, all of the information needed for the purchase has been provided to the parties interested in making the purchase as of the court hearing on June 2.   

The hearing was scheduled by Delaware Chancery Court Chancellor Andre Bouchard to discuss the proposal from the company’s other co-CEO, Phil Shawe.  According to Shawe’s mother, Shirley Shawe, who owns one percent of the company, Shirley would vote her take to the other co-owner, allowing her to vote new directors to the board without Phil’s approval and thus removing the ongoing deadlock.   

Attorneys called the move a publicity stunt.   

So far there have been about a dozen lawsuits that have sprung from the co-owners and their disputes since 2014.  One lawyer stated “There is too much litigation around this.”

The mediation order came as a surprise to those involved, but given how long the battle has been ongoing, many believe mediation is unlikely to help the parties reach a solution.  Delaware State Senator Colin Bonini called the mediation order a “Hail Mary” and hopes parties realize they have nothing to lose by attempting to end the dispute with mediation.   

At least Phil Shawe is hopeful mediation could resolve the dispute and commented “Hopefully, Ms. Elting will take the court’s instruction seriously and come to the mediation table in good faith.  In that event I am confident that Former Chancellor Chandler will be able to help move the parties in the right direction.  I remain steadfast in my belief that a consensual solution is the best result for TransPerfect. ”