Terms of engagement

These terms frame MABEVO’s services. They apply from the acceptance of a quotation, and the quotation prevails over them in case of conflict.

§ 01

Purpose

These terms set the framework in which MABEVO provides support services to entrepreneurs, companies and investors. They supplement the accepted quotation, which remains the reference document for scope, price and schedule of each engagement.

§ 02

Quotation and formation of the contract

No work starts without a quotation accepted in writing. The quotation states the scope, deliverables, price and timelines. It is valid for the period it states.

The initial diagnosis is free and binds neither party
The contract is formed when the client accepts the quotation in writing
Any change of scope is the subject of a priced amendment before it is carried out

§ 03

MABEVO’s obligations

MABEVO undertakes an obligation of means: to apply the skill and diligence required to perform the engagement properly. The firm does not guarantee an outcome that depends on a third party.

Keep the client informed of progress and of difficulties encountered
Refer acts reserved to licensed legal professionals to those professionals
Report any conflict of interest without delay
Not guarantee the granting of funding, the obtaining of a registration, nor any administrative timeline

§ 04

Client obligations

The quality and timing of an engagement depend directly on the information provided. An incomplete file is the leading cause of delay.

Provide accurate, complete and current information
Send the requested documents within the agreed timeframe
Report any change likely to affect the engagement
Designate a contact authorised to approve deliverables

§ 05

Timelines

Stated timelines run from receipt of the complete file and, where applicable, of the deposit. They are suspended while awaiting a document or an approval from the client. Timelines attributable to an administration or a third party are not guaranteed.

§ 06

Price and payment

Prices are stated in the quotation, excluding any applicable taxes. Unless stated otherwise, invoicing follows the schedule set out in the quotation.

Reference currency: the Burundian franc (BIF), unless the quotation states otherwise
Costs advanced on the client’s behalf (official fees, translations, legalisations) are re-invoiced at cost, against receipts
Payment terms and the consequences of late payment are set out in the quotation

§ 07

Ownership of deliverables

Deliverables produced for the client transfer to them upon full payment of the price. MABEVO retains ownership of its methods, templates and internal tools, which are not assigned.

§ 08

Confidentiality

MABEVO treats as confidential any non-public information received from the client, and uses it only to perform the engagement. This undertaking survives the end of the engagement.

Access to information is limited to the people working on the file
A separate non-disclosure agreement can be signed at the client’s request, including before the first conversation

§ 09

Liability

MABEVO’s liability can be engaged only in case of proven fault in performing the engagement, and up to the amount of fees received for that engagement. It does not cover the consequences of inaccurate information provided by the client, nor decisions taken by third parties.

§ 10

Termination

Either party may end the engagement in writing. Work performed up to the termination date remains due, and deliverables in progress are handed over as they stand.

§ 11

Governing law and disputes

These terms are governed by Burundian law. In case of a dispute, the parties first seek an amicable solution. Failing that, the competent court is the one stated in the quotation.

§ 12

Changes to these terms

MABEVO may amend these terms. The version applicable to an engagement is the one in force on the date the quotation was accepted. The date of last update appears at the top of this document.