How one GP is handling its AGM amid Covid-19

In a bid to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19, Ratos has altered its arrangements for the firm’s planned Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The decision comes after the Swedish Public Health Agency instructed the country to avoid large public events, crowding situations and time spent interacting with people, as a way of ‘social distancing’ to limit the virus spreading.

The event is due to take place at 2pm on 1 April 2020 at Skandiascenen at Cirkus, Djurgårdsslätten 43-45, Stockholm, with shareholders, board members and co-workers all in attendance.

For attendees, the new arrangements for Ratos’ AGM will be as follows:

• 1:30pm registration with controlled-entry to shareholders to reduce crowding
• No refreshments served at the event
• Ratos’ Board chairman and CEO will give shorter speeches which will be made available on the firm’s website
• Number of participating non-shareholders is limited
• Cloakrooms will be closed and all outerwear must be brought into the auditorium
• AGM will still be held at its venue but attendees will be seated in widely spread ‘social distancing’ formations
• Event timeframe will be minimised without restricting shareholder rights

Virtual vote

While shareholders who are suspected of being infected, have experienced symptoms for the past fortnight or have been in a risk area are not allowed to attend in person, they can attend through a representative.

Participation via proxy is available for any shareholders concerned about the spread of infection as well as those who are within one of the high risk groups or who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with coronavirus.

Shareholders registered to attend the AGM, who hold 100,000 shares or less can appoint registrar Computershare to vote on their behalf.