The German investor bidding for Dutch coffee and tea company DE Master Blenders is using ‘heavy ammunition’ in its effort to have the company delisted, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Tuesday.

The German multi-billionaire Reimann family, who made a €12.50 a share offer for DEMB in April using their investment vehicle JAB, says the company must be delisted when between 80% and 95% of shareholders agree to sell.

This is most unusual, says the FD. Normally delisting only happens when 95% or more of the shares are offered.

The proposal is included in the concept offer sent last week to the Dutch and US financial services watchdogs, AFM and SEC.

The Dutch shareholders’ association VEB told the FD the move will adversely affect minority shareholders. ‘It is a ridiculous lowering of the protection norm,’ it said.

DEMB’s Robin Jansen, responsible for investor relations, told the paper the plan increases the certainty the deal will go ahead, and that there are fiscal advantages for shareholders.