In contrast, a special board meeting is a meeting that is not scheduled well in advance and is called by someone – authorized either under the law or the organization's bylaws – for a special purpose.
The general meeting called within six months of the end of the previous fiscal year is known as the “annual” general meeting (or “AGM”). If a general meeting is held outside that time frame, it is “extraordinary” (“EGM”) and meant to address urgent or pressing matters that couldn't be settled at the AGM.
An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is an urgent meeting called to address pressing company issues or emergencies. These matters require the immediate attention of the board, shareholders and senior company executives. An EGM is also referred to as a special general meeting or an emergency general meeting.
A shareholders' meeting cannot commence without a quorum, typically at least 25% of voting rights present. Specific matters require the presence of attendees representing at least 25% of the voting rights for that item. Meetings cannot start or proceed unless at least three shareholders are present.
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.
601. (a) Whenever shareholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting a written notice of the meeting shall be given not less than 10 (or, if sent by third-class mail, 30) nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each shareholder entitled to vote thereat.
Notification to Shareholders Annual shareholder meetings require a notice period of at least 21 days. The notice period can be shortened with the expressed consent of all shareholders. The notice should include all the basic meeting details and other important pieces of documentation, such as the meeting agenda.
In addition to specifying the date, time and location of the meeting, special meeting notices should make note of all agenda items. Unless the bylaws indicate something different, board members should only be discussing the business that was stated in the notice for the special meeting.
Section 601 - Notice of shareholders' meeting or report (a) Whenever shareholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting a written notice of the meeting shall be given not less than 10 (or, if sent by third-class mail, 30) nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each shareholder ...
A General Meeting is simply a meeting of shareholders and 21 days' notice must be given to shareholders, but this can be reduced to 14 days, or increased to 28 days, in certain situations.