Takeda shareholders group say working to block $62 billion Shire deal

TOKYO (Reuters) - A group of Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd shareholders is building support to block the $62 billion acquisition of London-listed Shire Plc at an extraordinary general meeting, a leading member of the group told Reuters on Monday.

The 130 member group formed by ex-Takeda employees hold one percent of the drugmaker's shares, and needs the support of a third of shareholders.

It is targeting domestic retail investors and overseas institutional investors who own 25 percent and 35 percent of Takeda shares respectively, the person said on condition of anonymity.

The group includes members of the founding Takeda family, Nikkan Yakugyo reported last month. The family owns about 10 percent of Takeda shares, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The group's attempt to block the appointment of then-Chairman Yasuchika Hasegawa to an advisory position was defeated at last year's annual general meeting after gaining 30.5 percent of votes.

(Reporting by Sam NusseyEditing by Christopher Cushing)