Extension of Arbitration Agreement to Non-Signatories, Based on the Group of Companies Doctrine

Along with the growing role of arbitration as a means of alternative dispute resolution, it is relevant to determine the circle of persons who may be involved in arbitration proceedings. Using analytical and comparative methods, the paper initially discusses the essence of the arbitration agreement and the prerequisites for its validity, as well as the possibility of involving non-signatories in the arbitration proceedings, based on the group of companies doctrine. The purpose of the study is to outline the main criteria, using the mentioned theory, the existence of which provides the basis for extending the arbitration agreement to nonsignatory third parties. Moreover, the paper pays attention to whether the theory of the group of companies corresponds to such an important principle applicable in arbitration law as the mandatory form of the arbitration clause. In addition, the conclusion indicates several important issues, due to which, in practice, it may be necessary to expand the circle of persons to be involved in the arbitration.

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