Corporate Governance
6.1 Basic principles
All shareholders shall be treated on an equal basis, unless there is just cause for treating them differently.
6.2 Share issues without pre-emption rights for existing shareholders
In the event of an increase in share capital through issuance of new shares, a decision to deviate from existing shareholders' pre-emptive rights to subscribe for shares shall be justified. Where the Board resolves to issue shares and deviate from the pre-emptive rights of existing shareholders pursuant to an authorisation granted to the Board by the general meeting, the justification will be publicly disclosed in a stock exchange announcement issued in connection with the share issuance.
6.3 Transactions in treasury shares
Any transactions carried out by the Company of treasury shares shall be carried out on Oslo Børs, and in any case at the prevailing stock exchange prices. In the event that there is limited liquidity in the Company's shares, the Company will consider other ways to ensure equal treatment of shareholders. Any transactions by the Company of treasury shares is subject to notification requirements, and shall be publicly disclosed in a stock exchange announcement.
6.4 Approval of agreements with shareholders and other close associates
In the event of transactions that are considered to be non-immaterial between the Company and its shareholders, a shareholder’s parent company, members of the board of directors, executive personnel or close associates to any such party, the Board shall arrange for an independent third-party valuation. This will, however, not apply for transactions that are subject to the approval of the general meeting pursuant to the provisions in the Norwegian Public Limited Liability Companies Act. Independent valuations shall also be procured for transactions between companies within the Group if any of the companies involved have minority shareholders.
The Board should in any case report all transactions mentioned in this item 6.4 in the Company's annual report.