International firm HFW has teamed up with Big Four firm KPMG and litigation funder Augusta Ventures in the latest pandemic-related disputes resolution offering. The three parties say they will provide a global ‘one-stop shop’ that can quickly support companies needing assistance by facilitating funding for supporting litigation and arbitration from Augusta, and a package of legal assistance, asset tracing and enforcement measures from HFW and KPMG.

The announcement said the tie-up would be non-exclusive. Robert Hanna, managing director, Augusta Ventures, it would create 'a seamless, low-risk litigation process for claimants seeking to recover funds'. 

HFW partner Brian Perrott said:  'The pandemic is the biggest disruption to business since 2008 and will give rise to countless disputes and claims, largely through no fault of either party. But companies wishing to resolve such disputes may find themselves unable to fund the costs of any litigation at this difficult time. Having Augusta on board will therefore be of great comfort to parties when they are dealing with problems caused by the pandemic that are unforeseen and for which there is no time to make any cash provision to fund the matter.'

David Standish, partner at KPMG, said:  ’Our expertise in asset at tracing and enforcement is of the utmost value to clients who wish to recover losses. Working with this team means we can tackle all aspects of the problem very quickly. The added comfort of funding means no claim need be delayed because of problems around financing the work.’