In a move sure to be repeated by many companies as COVID-19 changes daily life dramatically, Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams Co. (NYSE: SHW) on Tuesday, March 24, announced that its upcoming annual meeting of shareholders will switch to a virtual-only format rather than being conducted in person.

"Due to the emerging public health impact of the coronavirus pandemic and to support the health and well-being of the company's shareholders, employees and their families, the company will hold its annual meeting in a virtual meeting format only, via webcast," at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, the paint and coatings giant said in a news release.

Shareholders at the close of business on Feb. 27 are entitled to participate in the annual meeting.

To participate in and/or vote at the virtual meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SHW2020, shareholders must enter a 16-digit control number found on their updated proxy card to be distributed beginning Tuesday. They also can use a previously distributed voting instruction form.