Experian 2008 Annual Report Download - page 52

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50 Experian Annual Report 2008
Corporate governance statement continued
Relations with shareholders
The Company gives high priority to communicating with its shareholders and does this through its annual and half-
yearly reports, at the annual general meeting and through the processes described below.
Although most shareholder contact is with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, supported
by management specialising in investor relations, it is the responsibility of the board as a whole to ensure that a
satisfactory dialogue with shareholders takes place.
The Chairman’s statement on page 2 and the business review on pages 6 to 37 include a detailed review of the business
and future developments in relation to the business. A full annual report is sent to all shareholders who so elect. For those
shareholders who do not elect to receive a full annual report, notification is sent of the availability of the annual report
on the Company’s website at www.experiangroup.com. The Company’s website also contains up to date information on
Group activities, published financial results, information on dividends and a financial calendar.
At each of its scheduled board meetings, the board reviews a report of important or relevant issues raised by
shareholders during the course of meetings and discussions with them. Additionally, the board (and in particular,
the non-executive directors) obtains an independent insight into the views of major shareholders through research
commissioned with a third party adviser across a balanced sample of Experian’s shareholders. The latter typically
control some 20 to 30% of the Company’s issued share capital. The findings of the research are presented to the
board by the third party adviser.
There is a direct line of communication to the Chairman available to shareholders, particularly if there are issues of
concern, whether about performance, strategy or governance. Sir Alan Rudge, the senior independent director, is also
available should shareholders have concerns which contact through the normal channels of the Chairman, the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer fails to resolve or for which such contact is inappropriate. Shareholders are
also offered the opportunity to meet the Company’s non-executive directors.
Shareholders who do not support a particular annual general meeting resolution do not always seek engagement
with companies to explain their actions or request further information. Where appropriate, the Company is keen to
understand the reasons for any lack of support and to have a dialogue with shareholders on these issues. Its policy,
therefore, insofar as is practicable, is to seek engagement with shareholders on such issues.
All directors, including the chairmen of the audit, remuneration and nomination committees, attend the annual general
meeting and are available to answer shareholders’ questions. Shareholders have the opportunity to send in questions prior
to the annual general meeting and Experian responds to those shareholders who do.
Voting at the annual general meeting takes place by way of poll. The results of voting at the annual general meeting
are announced and details of the votes are also added to the Company’s website, www.experiangroup.com, as soon
as possible after the meeting.