California law requires ALL California corporations, even those owned by a single shareholder, to hold an annual meeting of the shareholder(s) for the purpose of electing the board of directors.
9510(a): Each corporation shall keep: (1) Adequate and correct books and records of account. (2) Minutes of the proceedings of its members. board and committees of the board. (3) A record of its members giving their names and addresses and the class of membership held by each. (b) Minutes shall be kept in written form.
(a) Meetings of shareholders may be held at any place within or without this state as may be stated in or fixed in ance with the bylaws. If no other place is stated or so fixed, shareholder meetings shall be held at the principal office of the corporation.
If your business is set up and registered as a Corporation, you're required by law to hold an annual shareholder meeting and to document the meeting with minutes.
The annual meeting should be held on the date and time designated in the bylaws. All shareholders who are entitled to vote are entitled to written notice of the annual meeting as well as any special meeting. Notice must include the date, time and place of the meeting and how shareholders may attend.
Prepare copies of the meeting agenda and any relevant reports (financial statements, proxy statements, etc.) for attendees, either in physical form or through a secure online portal. Determine the voting method (electronic voting platform, paper ballots, etc.) and ensure everyone understands the process.
The General Meeting of Shareholders is a meeting to which all of the Company's shareholders are invited. The Executive Board calls an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders at least once a year.
In general, companies require a letter or similar notification from investors having a sufficient number of shares, demanding a special meeting and stating the purpose for that meeting. The company can then set the date for the meeting, typically within a 30 to 90 day time period after receipt of the demand.
Not complying with regulations regarding annual shareholder meetings can put your company, and its owners, at personal risk for liability.
In the case of a private company regardless of the number of members, two members must be present for the quorum to be met for a meeting.