A COATINGS firm has dismissed “irresponsible” calls from a shareholder group to debate a senior boss’ future.

AkzoNobel says Elliott Advisors’ demands for an emergency general meeting over Antony Burgmans are not in its best interests.

Elliott made the plea after becoming angered at Akzo- Nobel’s refusal to enter into talks with rival PPG Industries, which has submitted three bids to join forces with the Dulux maker.

However, AkzoNobel, which previously unveiled £10.7m plans to bolster operations at a Gateshead research hub and secure hundreds of jobs, says the approaches have undervalued the firm and could cause job losses.

The stance has infuriated shareholders, such as Elliott, with Mr Burgmans, chairman of AkzoNobel’s supervisory board, a focus of the ire.

But Byron Grote, supervisory board deputy chairman, said a review of Elliott’s request shows there to be “no legal basis for calling an emergency general meeting”.

He added: “The board reiterates its unanimous support for Mr Burgmans.”

PPG, known for running a plant in Shildon, County Durham, submitted its latest bid earlier this week, with bosses saying it was time AkzoNobel accepted its advances were in its best interests.

It added any tie-up wouldn’t affect spending already committed to bringing together more than 100 scientists at an existing base in Felling, Gateshead, to work on products to protect steel and concrete from corrosion, abrasion and fire.

AkzoNobel has also spent millions on a new paint making factory in Ashington, Northumberland, which is expected to create an initial 120 direct jobs.