SCHEDULE: Van Herk Group Boosts ProQR Therapeutics Stake to 13.6%

Van Herk Investments B.V. and its affiliated entities have increased their beneficial ownership in ProQR Therapeutics N.V. to 13.6% through recent open market purchases.

Summary

• Van Herk Investments B.V. and its associated entities (the "Reporting Persons") collectively beneficially own 14,329,690 Ordinary Shares of ProQR Therapeutics N.V.
• This aggregate holding represents 13.6% of ProQR Therapeutics N.V.'s ordinary shares outstanding, based on 105,344,052 shares as of June 30, 2025.
• From September 5, 2025, to September 29, 2025, Van Herk Investments B.V. acquired an additional 1,055,000 Ordinary Shares.
• The recent share acquisitions were made for an aggregate net amount of $2,300,635.14, funded by Van Herk Investments B.V.'s general working capital.
• The Reporting Persons acquired these shares for investment purposes and intend to continuously review their investment in the Issuer.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is moderately positive due to a significant investor increasing their stake, which can be seen as a vote of confidence. However, the explicit mention of potential activist actions introduces a degree of uncertainty, preventing a higher score.

Positives

• A significant investor group, Van Herk, has increased its stake, potentially signaling confidence in ProQR Therapeutics N.V.'s long-term value.
• The continued investment by a large shareholder could provide stability and strategic support for the company.

Negatives

• The stated intention of the Reporting Persons to potentially engage in activist actions, such as recommending changes to capitalization, board structure, or business combinations, could introduce uncertainty or disruption for current management.

Risks

• Potential for activist investor engagement, which may lead to changes in the Issuer's strategic direction, management, or corporate structure.
• The Reporting Persons may decide to sell some or all of their Ordinary Shares, engage in short selling, or other derivative transactions, which could impact share price.
• Future actions of the Reporting Persons are subject to various factors including the Issuer's financial position, investment strategy, market conditions, and general economic outlook.

Future Outlook

The Reporting Persons intend to continuously review their investment in ProQR Therapeutics N.V. and may engage in various actions, including communications with management and the board, discussions with other stockholders, making recommendations regarding capitalization, ownership, board structure, potential business combinations or dispositions, or suggestions for improving financial and operational performance. They also reserve the right to purchase or sell additional shares, engage in short selling, or other hedging transactions.

Industry Context

The increased stake by a significant institutional investor like Van Herk in a biotechnology company such as ProQR Therapeutics N.V. can be interpreted in several ways within the industry. It may signal a belief in the company's long-term potential or specific pipeline assets, or it could indicate an intent to influence strategic decisions, which is common for activist investors seeking to unlock shareholder value in the biotech sector.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for increased share price volatility due to activist investor actions or further share purchases/sales. May benefit from strategic changes if successful.
• Management and Board: May face increased scrutiny and pressure to implement changes proposed by the Reporting Persons.
• Employees: Potential for strategic shifts or business combinations could impact employment stability or company direction.

Next Steps

• The Reporting Persons will continue to review their investment in ProQR Therapeutics N.V. on an ongoing basis.
• They may engage in communications with the Issuer's management and board of directors.
• They may discuss with other stockholders or third parties regarding the Issuer and their investment, including potential business combinations or dispositions.
• They may make recommendations or proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to capitalization, ownership structure, board structure, or suggestions for improving financial/operational performance.
• They may purchase or sell additional Ordinary Shares, engage in short selling, or other hedging transactions.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing indicates a significant increase in ownership by a major investor group, Van Herk, bringing their stake to 13.6%. While this demonstrates a strong conviction in ProQR Therapeutics N.V., the explicit mention of potential activist engagement and strategic recommendations introduces an element of uncertainty regarding the company's future direction. Investors should hold their positions to observe how these potential interactions unfold and assess the impact of any proposed changes before making further investment decisions. The filing itself does not provide enough fundamental information about ProQR's operational performance or financial health to warrant a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation at this time, but the increased stake by a large investor could be seen as a positive signal.

Keywords

ProQR Therapeutics, Van Herk Investments, Shareholder Stake, Beneficial Ownership, Biotechnology, Investment, SEC Filing, Schedule 13D, Activist Investor