Shareholders' general meeting
Shareholders have the ultimate authority over the company, and exercise their right to make decisions regarding Novo Nordisk at general meetings, either in person or by proxy.
General meetings shall be called with 2-4 weeks and in practice with approximately three weeks' notice. The agenda is accompanied by proxy forms enabling the shareholder to vote specifically on each item.
At the annual general meeting the shareholders approve the annual report and any amendments to the articles. The general meeting elects 4–10 directors and the auditor. Resolutions can be passed by a simple majority, while resolutions to amend the articles are subject to adoption by at least two thirds of votes cast and capital represented unless stricter requirements are imposed by Danish company law.
All shareholders may, no later than 1 February, request that proposals for resolution be included on the agenda. All shareholders may also ask questions at the general meetings.
Annual general meetings are held in English, however proposals may be submitted and questions may be asked in Danish. Simultaneous interpretation between English and Danish is available and the meeting is web cast live.
Resolutions passed at the annual general meeting are published immediately after the close of the meeting and the minutes are disclosed.
In addition Novo Nordisk hosted again in 2009 an informal information meeting conducted in Danish for the Company's shareholders’ shortly after the annual general meeting.
