The Van Herk Groep, which owns just over 10% of biotechnology firm Crucell, has called on the company to set up an extraordinary shareholders meeting to discuss the takeover bid made last month by Johnson & Johnson.

Van Herk says the offer of €24.75 is too low and would like to see at least €27.50 on the table.
‘The fact that only one year after the first deal J&J wants to increase its stake to 100% indicates that the partnership evidently suits J&J or J&J sees something that we do not see,’ Van Herk said in a statement. ‘They expect Crucell to probably be worth a lot more in two years’ time.