Shareholders 'shut out' of two-thirds of FTSE 100 AGMs

Pandemic sees firms hold AGMs behind closed doors

Shareholders have been "shut out" of two-thirds of annual general meetings (AGMs) held by FTSE 100 firms, the majority of which are holding meetings behind closed doors as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In response to the UK lockdown, firms including BAE Systems, HSBC and Next are failing to give shareholders the chance to participate virtually, according to lobbying group ShareAction, which has today (20 April) written to FTSE 100 firms urging them to hold "virtual AGMs" this year. International Women's Day: Company engagement moves the needle on gender equality ShareAction is encouraging FTSE 100 bosses to allow for investor participation via similar means carried out by the likes of Taylor Wimpey and RBS, which have taken steps to ensure investors are heard and answered by board m...