Equitable Group to Host Its First Virtual Meeting of Shareholders May 15, 2020
TORONTO, April 8, 2020 /CNW/ - Equitable Group Inc. (TSX: EQB and EQB.PR.C) ("Equitable" or the "Company") today announced it will host its annual meeting of shareholders in a virtual-only format on May 15, 2020 at 10 eastern time. This decision will enable all shareholders to participate from coast-to-coast without the need to travel or attend in person.
During the meeting, shareholders will elect the Company's Board of Directors, appoint the Company's auditors and consider other business that may be properly brought forward. In addition, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will update shareholders on the strategy and financial performance of the business and along with the Company's Chairperson, take shareholder questions in real time.
"In light of Covid-19, we believe that hosting a virtual annual meeting is both necessary and appropriate to safeguard the wellbeing of our shareholders and employees," said David LeGresley, Chair of the Board. "This format will allow us to interact with our shareholders almost as if we were together while maintaining physical distancing protocols that are vitally important to stop the spread of this virus. We urge all shareholders and interested parties to join us virtually on May 15th and to register early to vote."
Today's announcement is just one of many measures Equitable has taken to mitigate risks to its stakeholders and employees due to Covid-19. As a Schedule I Bank, Equitable has been declared essential under emergency measures recently enacted in Canada and is performing on a business-as-usual basis during this difficult period while keeping its employees safe through work-at-home connectivity.
"As Canada's Challenger Bank™, and a leader in digital banking through the award-winning EQ Bank platform, we have the proven ability to deliver high-value services without ever visiting a branch, from purchasing GICs at the touch of a button to our remarkably fast and highly economical international money transfers, which are significantly less expensive than other banks in Canada," said Andrew Moor, President and Chief Executive. Mr. Moor also said: "Holding a virtual annual meeting is our opportunity to demonstrate we can be just as responsive in the service of our shareholders. While we were looking forward to hosting everyone at the Bank's headquarters, the virtual format will allow us to share all the same insights and respond in the same comprehensive manner to shareholder inquiries. For those shareholders who are not located in Toronto, and for everyone who is committed to stopping the spread of Covid-19, our virtual meeting is the answer."
How To Participate: Registered Shareholders
Registered shareholders can attend the meeting virtually by going to https://web.lumiagm.com/225652488 (password equitable2020). Registered shareholders will receive a 15-digit control number provided on the form of proxy distributed by Computershare.
How to Participate: Non-Registered Shareholders
Non-registered shareholders who wish to vote or ask questions must carefully follow the instructions set out on their voting information form and in Equitable's management information circular in order to appoint and register as a proxy. Non-registered holders (being shareholders who hold their shares through a broker, investment dealer, bank, trust company, custodian, nominee or other intermediary) who have not duly appointed themselves as proxy will not be able to participate.
All securityholders must register any 3rd party appointments at http://www.computershare.com/EQGQ. Failure to do so will result in the appointee not receiving login credentials.
How to Participate: Guests and Interested Parties
Guests and other interested parties, as well as non-registered shareholders who do not appoint themselves as proxyholder, can log in to the meeting https://web.lumiagm.com/225652488 (password equitable2020) and listen.
ABOUT EQUITABLE GROUP INC.
Equitable Group Inc. is a growing Canadian financial services business that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Equitable Bank. Equitable Bank, Canada's Challenger Bank™, has grown to become the country's ninth largest independent Schedule I bank through its proven branchless approach and customer service focus in providing residential lending, commercial lending and savings solutions to Canadians. EQ Bank, the digital banking platform offered by Equitable Bank, provides state-of-the-art digital banking services. The EQ Bank Savings Plus Account reimagines banking for Canadians by offering the functionality of a chequing account to perform daily banking with ease, as well as a great everyday interest rate to help transactional balances grow into bigger savings. From unlimited Interac® e-Transfers and bill payments to payroll deposits and no monthly fees, everyday banking is now a richer prospect for Canadians. Equitable Bank employs over 900 dedicated professionals across the country. For more information about Equitable Bank and its products, please visit equitablebank.ca.
SOURCE Equitable Group Inc.
Andrew Moor, President and Chief Executive Officer, 416-515-7000; Tim Wilson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 416-515-7000
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