zeit.de
BASF to Hold Fully Virtual 2025 Annual General Meeting
BASF, Germany's largest employer, will hold its 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) entirely online on May 2nd, 2025, marking a shift from in-person events and aiming to test the effectiveness of the virtual format, while also drawing on experience from other DAX companies.
- What are the immediate implications of BASF holding its 2025 AGM entirely virtually, and how does it impact shareholder participation and accessibility?
- BASF, Germany's largest employer, will hold its 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) entirely online. This follows two years of in-person events and complies with new legal requirements for virtual AGMs that came into effect in July 2022. The company aims to assess the effectiveness of this virtual format, drawing on the positive experiences of other DAX companies.
- What challenges does hosting a fully virtual AGM pose for BASF, and how is the company addressing concerns about equitable participation and accessibility?
- The shift to a virtual AGM reflects a broader trend among large corporations toward increased digital engagement with shareholders. While offering convenience and cost savings, this transition also presents challenges, such as ensuring equal access and participation for all shareholders, particularly private investors who might lack the technical resources.
- What are the long-term implications of this shift to virtual AGMs for corporate governance and shareholder engagement, considering potential accessibility barriers for certain shareholder groups?
- BASF's decision to host a fully virtual AGM in 2025, following a two-year hiatus on in-person meetings, signals a significant move towards digital shareholder engagement, although there are concerns over accessibility for some investors. The company's experience could set a precedent for other large companies, influencing future trends in corporate governance and shareholder meetings.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the technical aspects and logistical challenges of hosting a virtual shareholder meeting, giving significant attention to the details of BASF's preparations. While acknowledging criticism, the positive aspects of a virtual format (e.g., increased accessibility for some investors) receive less prominent coverage. The inclusion of quotes from BASF representatives supporting the virtual format, without equivalent counterpoints, subtly shapes the narrative towards a positive portrayal of the company's choice.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. However, phrases like "massiv aufgerüstet" (massively upgraded) concerning the technical preparations could be considered slightly loaded, implying a significant and potentially necessary undertaking. A more neutral alternative might be "substantially enhanced." Similarly, the characterization of criticism as merely "Kritik am Format" (criticism of the format) is somewhat dismissive and could benefit from more nuanced description.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on BASF's preparations for the virtual shareholder meeting, including technical details and organizational challenges. However, it omits detailed discussion of the specific concerns raised by private investors regarding their participation in a virtual format. While it mentions that concerns exist, it doesn't elaborate on the nature of these concerns beyond stating that participation might be more difficult. This omission could leave the reader with an incomplete understanding of the debate surrounding the shift to a virtual meeting.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between virtual and in-person shareholder meetings, focusing primarily on the challenges and preparations for the virtual format. It mentions criticism of the virtual format, but doesn't fully explore the potential benefits or counterarguments that might support BASF's decision. This could lead readers to perceive a more negative view of the virtual format than might be warranted if alternative perspectives were included.
Gender Bias
The article uses gender-neutral language for the most part. However, the use of "Aktionärinnen und Aktionäre" (shareholders) highlights the inclusion of women, but the article doesn't specifically examine the gender breakdown of investor participation or voice concerns that might be gender-specific. More analysis on potential gendered impacts of the virtual format would be beneficial.
Sustainable Development Goals
By holding a virtual shareholder meeting, BASF aims to increase accessibility for shareholders who may not be able to attend in person, potentially reducing inequalities in participation. The article mentions concerns from private investors about the new format potentially hindering their participation, highlighting the ongoing challenge of ensuring equitable access. However, BASF is actively working to address these concerns and ensure equal rights.