Companies know it is important that as many shareholders as possible participate in decision-making in general meetings of shareholders. The companies also realise, however, that it is not always possible for shareholders to attend a general meeting. 'Remote voting' provides a very practical solution for this.
Since the year
2000, it has been possible to vote at shareholder meetings without actually
attending in person, provided the company's articles allow this. Of course,
voting by proxy was already possible, but only if the shareholder authorised
someone to attend the meeting and vote on his/her behalf, and also deposited
his/her own shares. Since early 2007 the recorddate for voting at a shareholders
meeting may be set at a maximum of 30 days prior to the
meeting.
This is still an option, but is no longer required of shareholders who vote via the Shareholders' Communication Channel. A voting form can be sent prior to the annual meeting via the Communication Channel to shareholders who have given authorisation to having their address data released. Shareholders can indicate on this form how votes should be cast on their behalf. The person identified on the form acts as a proxy-holder and ensures that votes are cast in the meeting in accordance with the instructions.
The Communication Channel not only makes so-called 'remote voting' technically possible, but also very easy. This required an amendment to the law. Now all shareholders who hold shares on the seventh day prior to the general meeting of shareholders (the so-called registration date) are authorised to vote in the general meeting.
Voting instruction form
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