Viking Line Abp is a public limited company domiciled in Finland which is governed by the Finnish Companies Act and the Company’s Articles of Association. In compliance with the Companies Act, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the highest decision-making body of the Company, where the owners exercise their influence.
All Viking Line Abp shares constitute one series, in which all shares are of equal value. Each share is represented by one vote when voting on motions and candidates at shareholder meetings. However, no shareholder may vote on behalf of more than 1/4 of the shares represented at a shareholder meeting. On December 31, 2019, Viking Line Abp had 3,407 registered shareholders.
The AGM decides on such matters as the adoption of the financial statements for the preceding financial year, the distribution of the Company’s profit or loss and discharge of the Board of Directors as well as the President and Chief Executive Officer from liability for that year. The meeting also elects the Chairman of the Board, the other Board members and auditors, as well as deciding on their fees.
The AGM also makes decisions concerning the Company’s shares and share capital as well as changes in the Articles of Association. The minimum share capital of Viking Line Abp is EUR 720,000.00 and the maximum share capital is EUR 2,880,000.00. Within these limits, share capital may be increased or decreased without amending the Articles of Association.
An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) shall be held if the Board of Directors or the AGM has so decided, or if an auditor or owners of at least 1/10 of all shares require this in writing to address a given matter.
In accordance with the Articles of Association, the AGM is held in Mariehamn before the end of June. The latest such meeting took place on May 13, 2020.
The invitation to the AGM occurs through an announcement that appears in a newspaper published in the Company’s place of domicile. This invitation is also published on Vikingline.com. The invitation shall be issued no earlier than three months before the AGM record date and no later than three weeks before the AGM.
In addition to disclosing the items of business that will be discussed at the meeting, the invitation shall include candidates proposed for the Board and their compensation as well as candidates proposed for the position of auditor. The invitation shall also include proposals as above submitted by shareholders representing at least 1/10 of shares, provided that any candidates have agreed to serve on the Board and the proposal has been delivered to the Company in such a way that it can be included in the invitation. Similar proposals submitted after the invitation has been published shall be published separately.
At the AGM, each shareholder is entitled to ask questions and submit proposals for a decision on matters included in the AGM’s agenda. A shareholder is entitled to have a matter considered at the AGM if that person requests it in writing no later than the date indicated by the Company on Vikingline.com.
The President and CEO, the Chairman of the Board, the other Board members and any individuals who are first-time candidates for service as members of the Board shall be present at the AGM. The auditor shall be present at the regular AGM.