Shareholders of Shanghai Merchants Holdings, once part of disgraced Shanghai businessman Chau Ching-ngai's corporate empire, yesterday approved the appointments of Yue Jialin and Brent Lau Yau-cheung as directors of the company.

Chau's wife Mo Yuk-ping and business partner Gong Beiying were removed from the board during the special general meeting. Mo was arrested by the Independent Commission Against Corruption last year on corruption charges.

Mr Yue's company Profit Harbour Investments bought a controlling 63.19 per cent stake of Shanghai Merchants from Chau last year. Mr Yue is a retired Shenzhen judge.