Shire announces 81% Jerini holding

Shire has announced that it has acquired an 81 per cent holding in Jerini since July 3rd 2008.

The company has purchased these shares through its indirect Shire Deutschland Investments subsidiary – formerly known as Maia Elfte Vermogensverwaltungs.

Shire has also published an offer document in relation to the remaining outstanding shares of Jerini, which is available on the company website, which will also host details of market purchases.

“The intention to make the voluntary takeover offer for a cash consideration of 6.25 euros (4.98 pounds) per share was announced on July 3rd 2008,” Shire said.

It added this offer period will expire at midnight on September 10th 2008, with the offer accepted until the last day of any additionally announced acceptance period.

Shire is looking to purchase the entire equity of Jerini for 328 million euros in order to add a new human genetic therapies product to its portfolio.

The acquisition of Jerini will add Firazyr (icatibant acetate) to its product range in this field, with the compound expecting to receive its EU launch in the second half of this year.

Shire predicts the peak annual sales of Firazyr could reach $400 million (215 million pounds).