Violence mars Convoy EGM amid boardroom battle

The embattled financial company Convoy Global has described “physical and violent disturbances” at its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Wednesday night as part of an ongoing battle for control of the firm.

The troubled company, which is challenging the local bourse’s decision to delist its shares, was meeting to decide the appointment and removal of certain board members.

In a filing to the local bourse, Convoy said clashes erupted both inside and outside the meeting venue in Wan Chai and some of its staff were injured.

“At one stage during the meeting, about 18 intruders tried to violently break into the meeting venue to disrupt the EGMs, and in the process these intruders violently assaulted employees of the Company and personnel maintaining the order of the EGMs, causing actual bodily injuries,” it said.

It said police were called to the scene and some were arrested.

Media reports said eight people were taken into custody.

Shareholders eventually voted to keep 14 existing board members, and refused to allow former commerce and economic development minister Frederick Ma and another six to join the board.

Convoy said it condemns “anyone who attempts to resort to violence in order to advance their objectives” and will actively cooperate with police in its investigation.

Trading in the troubled fompany has been suspended on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since December 2017, and the local bourse had sought to delist its shares in May last year.

Convoy has launched an appeal, and the exchange’s Listing Review Committee is due to hold a hearing on the matter later this month.