Last checked at 9 Apr 2024 07:00
9 April 2024
DFS Furniture PLC
Post 2023 AGM Shareholder Engagement - Update Statement
In accordance with Provision 4 of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the "Code"), the Company provides this update on engagement with shareholders following the Annual General Meeting held on 10 November 2023 (the "AGM").
At the Annual General Meeting held on 10 November 2023 ("AGM"), resolution 3 approval the Directors' Remuneration Report was supported by a clear majority of shareholders with 70.50% of votes cast in favour and 29.50% of votes cast against, resulting in less than 80% support overall.
In advance of the meeting, the Chair of Remuneration Committee ("Committee") and other members of the Board, communicated with holders of 80% of our shares and offered them an opportunity to engage ahead of the AGM.
The Committee acknowledges that whilst the majority of shareholders were supportive of the Directors' Remuneration Report, a small number of shareholders were not supportive of the resolution due to the increase in the CEO's base salary by an amount greater than the workforce average increase. While the Committee is aware of and recognises sensitivities around salary increases, we believe the adjustment was in the interests of DFS and its shareholders and was necessary to motivate and retain the CEO, who is critical to delivering DFS' transformational agenda.
The Committee would like to thank all of our shareholders who engaged in the consultation in 2023 and gave us valuable feedback. Following the AGM, the Committee and has commenced a review of its remuneration strategy in preparation for bringing a Remuneration Policy to shareholders in November. The Committee Chair has written to all shareholders to seek feedback on its proposed approach to executive remuneration and we look forward to an ongoing dialogue with shareholders and proxy advisers on these matters.
Enquiries: DFS Furniture PLC Liz McDonald (Group Company Secretary)
About DFS Furniture plc
The Group is the clear market-leading retailer of living room furniture in the United Kingdom. Our Group purpose is to bring great design and comfort into every living room, in an affordable, responsible, and sustainable manner. We operate an integrated physical and digital retail network of living room furniture showrooms and web sites in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, trading through our leading brands, DFS and Sofology. We attract customers through our targeted and national marketing activities and our reputation for high quality products and service, breadth of product offer and favourable consumer financing options. We fulfil orders for our exclusive product ranges through our own UK finished goods factories, and through manufacturing partners located in the UK, Europe, and Far East, and delivered with care through our expert final-mile delivery service "The Sofa Delivery Company Limited".