Wesfarmers (ASX: WES) has denied a plea from a group of its shareholders to put an end to Coles’ cut-price milk and dairy campaign.

Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) Vice President Adrian Drury said Wesfarmers today blocked a moved by the shareholders to force a general meeting.

“The refusal by Wesfarmers to even discuss the Coles “down-down” campaign shows no respect for its shareholders. It also shows total disregard for dairy farmers’ livelihoods and for customers who in the end will be hit with higher prices when Coles seeks to recoup its losses,” Mr Drury said.

On 10 May concerned Wesfarmers shareholders sent a letter to Wesfarmers Chairman Bob Every seeking an extraordinary general meeting of the company to consider two resolutions: (1) Explain the Coles pricing strategy on milk and other dairy products and how this is consistent with the origins, values and corporate social responsibility of the company; and (2) Refrain from implementing and persisting with the Coles “down-down” milk and dairy product price reductions.

“Instead of allowing its shareholders to ask questions and express their views, Wesfarmers called in its lawyers to block any free discussion of Coles’ cutthroat campaign,” Mr Drury said.

Wesfarmers responded to the shareholders’ call for a meeting by saying ‘the Directors have considered your request and decline to call the meeting’ on ‘the basis that the proposed resolution relates to management matters.’

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