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UPDATE 2-Tesco survives investor protest over share options

Fri Jul 3, 2009 6:04pm IST
 
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* 57 pct of AGM votes cast back share option changes

* Union resolution on migrants' treatment easily defeated

(Adds detail, background)

By Ian MacKenzie

GLASGOW, July 3 (Reuters) - Tesco (TSCO.L: Quote, Profile, Research), Britain's largest retailer, narrowly survived a big investor protest over changes to its management share option plan and more comfortably saw off complaints it should do more to help migrant workers.

Shareholders represented at the supermarket group's annual general meeting on Friday voted about 57 percent in favour of Tesco's plan to extend the period during which leaving or retiring executives can exercise their share options.

The protest is the latest sign that investors are prepared to voice their displeasure publicly against company boards -- something they have been reluctant to do it the past -- particularly over pay. On Thursday, some 36 percent of Home Retail (HOME.L: Quote, Profile, Research) shareholders at the company's annual general meeting voted against the retailer's executive bonus scheme, with a further 7 percent abstaining. [ID:nL2093759]

Tesco more comfortably saw off a rebel resolution from Unite, Britain's biggest trade union, which was defeated 89 percent of the votes to 11 percent.

The resolution, supported by protestors wearing yellow chicken suits and waving placards outside the meeting, called on the company to do more to ensure the fair treatment of migrant workers at meat suppliers.  Continued...

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