Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) has officially announced the convocation of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), set to take place on March 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM CET at the Wiener Stadthalle, Hall F, located at Roland-Rainer-Platz 1, 1150 Vienna, Austria. This year's AGM will adopt a hybrid assembly format, allowing shareholders to choose between participating physically or virtually, accommodating diverse preferences and facilitating broader engagement.
According to the bank's management, this decision was made with the approval of the Supervisory Board, and the virtual option will comply with the provisions set out by Austria's Virtual Shareholder Meetings Act. For those participating virtually, RBI has ensured the availability of simultaneous translation services from German to English, along with sign language interpreters throughout the meeting.
Shareholders will have the chance to engage fully with the proceedings through the General Meeting (GM) portal, where they can vote, submit questions, and express their opinions via video communication. Physical attendees must arrive with valid identification and may collect voting cards from 9:00 AM CET on the day of the meeting. A notable requirement is the necessity for all participants to adhere to the guidelines set forth for either virtual or physical participation, as mixed participation from the same shareholder is prohibited for the same shares.
The AGM agenda includes discussions on the presentation of the audited annual financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024, alongside significant topics like the proposal for profit utilization, the remuneration report for the Management Board and Supervisory Board, and upcoming elections within the Supervisory Board itself. These discussions reflect RBI's commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring shareholders are informed about their investments and the bank's performance.
Starting February 25, 2025, the annual financial report will be accessible to the public. Shareholders and interested parties can find the report available online. The English version of the report can be downloaded from RBI's investor relations webpage, providing comprehensive insights for stakeholders evaluating the bank's fiscal health and strategies moving forward.
Important deadlines have also been outlined for shareholders wishing to participate. To exercise voting rights, ownership of shares must be established by the record date of March 16, 2025. Shareholders must submit their proof of share ownership through accepted channels by March 21, 2025, to obtain their attendance credentials for the AGM. These regulations are aimed at preserving the integrity of the meeting and ensuring all participants have valid claims to participate based on their shares.
RBI also emphasizes the rights of shareholders under sections 109, 110, 118, and 119 of the Stock Corporation Act (AktG), highlighting the necessary procedures for adding agenda items and proposing resolutions. Shareholders holding 5% or more of the company's capital can request additional items to be included on the AGM agenda. Proposals submitted must be backed with valid reasoning and follow the stipulated format for consideration.
The management noted, "Shareholders whose shares equal individually or in aggregate 5% of the share capital of the Company... may request in writing..." stressing the empowering of investor participation and engagement. For proposals needing to be publicly accessible, shareholders must represent at least 1% of the capital, ensuring broader representation and input during the meetings.
RBI plans for the AGM's outcomes to significantly impact its governance and operational strategies, reinforcing the importance of engaging with all shareholders through this pivotal forum. By facilitating both physical and virtual attendance, the bank aims to maximize participation and offer convenient access to all stakeholders, emphasizing its commitment to inclusive governance.
For convenience, all relevant documents pertaining to the AGM, such as the complete agenda and various reports, will be published on RBI's website. This will allow shareholders ample time to review and prepare for discussions, ensuring informed participation. The proposals concerning the appointment of auditors, capital management strategies, and the corporate governance report are set to stimulate comprehensive dialogue among shareholders.
Raiffeisen Bank International AG, headquartered at Am Stadtpark 9, Vienna, is poised for impactful dialogue during their annual gathering, with expectations for the event to yield important resolutions shaping the direction of the bank for years to come. Stakeholders are encouraged to prepare for active participation, as the AGM promises to be more than just procedural, offering substantive discussions on the bank's financial health and future initiatives.
Overall, the upcoming AGM is not just a statutory obligation but rather an opportunity for shareholders to engage deeply with the company's objectives and strategies. With comprehensive preparation and clear engagement channels, RBI aims for the meeting to reflect the interests and concerns of its diverse shareholder base, aligning with contemporary corporate governance standards.