Highlights from Sobi's 2025 Annual General Meeting
On May 8, 2025, the Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi®) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Stockholm. This gathering was pivotal for shareholders as they deliberated on various proposals that will shape the company's future. The key decisions and insights from this important event are summarized below.
Approval of Financial Statements
One of the significant resolutions passed at the AGM was the adoption of the financial statements for the fiscal year 2024. The shareholders approved the profit and loss statements as well as the balance sheets, indicating a transparent approach to financial governance. The meeting also saw a decision to carry forward the retained earnings, a move that reflects the company’s commitment to future growth and financial stability.
Furthermore, the board members and the CEO received a formal discharge of liability, reassuring them of the support from shareholders for their past financial actions.
Board of Directors and Auditor Elections
As part of the AGM process, elections were conducted for the Board of Directors. A slate of current board members, including Christophe Bourdon, David Meek, and Zlatko Rihter, was re-elected. Notably, Iris Loew-Friedrich was elected as a new member of the board, which signals Sobi's strategy of incorporating fresh perspectives into its leadership. David Meek was re-elected to chair the board, maintaining continuity in governance.
In addition to the board elections, Ernst & Young AB was re-appointed as the company’s auditor, ensuring that Sobi continues to uphold high standards of financial oversight.
Remuneration and Incentive Programs
Another important aspect of the meeting included discussions around remuneration for the board and the auditors, with the AGM approving a proposal aligned with their nomination committee’s recommendations. This approval illustrates Sobi’s commitment to providing competitive compensation that aligns with industry standards.
The AGM also addressed long-term incentive programs, which included approving the hedging arrangements for up to 1,412,788 series C shares. This initiative aims to motivate key personnel while aligning their interests with the company's long-term objectives. Additionally, the board was granted authorization to repurchase shares and transfer shares to program participants, demonstrating a focus on maintaining an engaged and incentivized workforce.
Future Issuances and Shareholder Engagement
In a forward-looking move, the AGM sanctioned the Board of Directors’ proposal for new issuances of shares and convertible bonds, with a cap of up to 39,550,000 shares. This strategic choice reflects Sobi’s aim to be agile in the face of opportunities and challenges in the biopharma landscape. Furthermore, the proposal to release up to 716,834 shares for covering specific payments related to past incentive programs was also approved, ensuring that the company can manage its financial commitments effectively.
Looking Ahead
Sobi continues to evolve as a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical arena, focusing on innovations for rare diseases. With a workforce of approximately 1,900 and a reported revenue of SEK 26 billion in 2024, Sobi is well-positioned to make impactful strides in healthcare. The decisions made at this year’s AGM are expected to foster continued growth and drive the company's mission forward.
For detailed information about the proposals and results from this meeting, shareholders and interested parties are encouraged to visit Sobi's official website at
sobi.com.
In conclusion, the Sobi AGM of 2025 laid the groundwork for the company’s strategic direction and governance. As Sobi unlocks the potential of breakthrough innovations, it remains committed to transforming the lives of those affected by rare diseases while rewarding its stakeholders.