Icelandic manufacturer Marel has increased its stake in Dutch engineering conglomerate Stork, putting pressure on buyout firm Candover to raise its €1.5bn ($2bn) bid for the company.

Marel, a food systems maker which is understood to be interested in acquiring Stork's food manufacturing arm, has raised its stake in the Dutch listed conglomerate from 10.9% to 16.9%, Reuters reports. Dutch newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad said the Icelandic company is trying to organise a rival bid for Stork.