Shares in Johnson & Johnson, which employs 2,200 people at Irish sales facilities and plants, fell after the company reported disappointing pharmaceutical and consumer product sales.

Switzerland’s companies warned of a plunge in exports, tourist revenues and profits after the country’s central bank scrapped its cap on the Swiss franc, sending the currency soaring up to 30% and crushing their competitiveness in world markets.

A near-$30 billion (€22.8bn) bid for Shire could emerge as the standout deal in the European pharmaceutical sector this year, a highlight for bankers in a market otherwise likely to be dominated by bolt-on acquisitions.