Governance of Family Business

Page 9

A Shareholders’ Council is the most important link to the company Shareholders’ Council – Overview CORE ELEMENT

Shareholders’ Council

FUNCTIONS Regulate the relationships among family shareholders and between shareholders and the business. Represents the larger group of shareholders and makes fundamental decisions on its behalf. Serves as the intermediary between the family and shareholders’ assemblies and the board. Promotes unity and takes on the hard work of exposing and overcoming divisiveness. Serves as a representative body of shareholders, relieving the pressure to have too many family members on the Holding Board. Concentrates on long-term matters of importance to shareholders, including culture, values, risk orientation, and overall strategy. Informs the Holding Board of its decision.

FREQUENCY OF MEETING Twice a year meeting is sufficient once the council is up and running.

CORE DECISION AREAS Dividends Exit and liquidity policies Stay private or whether and how much equity to float Signs off all major investments and divestitures Approves appointment of CEO and members of the board

The Shareholders’ Council, being the guardian of the company and the family shareholder group, sits at the center of the entire Governance system.

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