Carver Shareholders Parry Investor's Call to Sell Thrift

Shareholders of Carver Bancorp have strongly supported the thrift's management in its struggle with a disgruntled investor.

Joseph Sonnenberg, who owns less than 0.5% of Carver's stock, had submitted a shareholder proposal calling for sale of the $400 million-asset thrift at no less than $20 per share. He criticized its performance and sagging stock price.

At the thrift's Aug. 21 annual meeting, about 326,000 shares-roughly 24%-were voted in support of Mr. Sonnenberg's proposal.

Carver officials have dismissed Mr. Sonnenberg's complaints, calling on shareholders to be patient while the thrift continues its transformation.

In 1995, new management came in under Thomas L. Clark Jr. to restructure the balance sheet and increase lending.

Mr. Sonnenberg said he is pleased with the backing for his proposal and plans to resubmit it next year.

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