(Updated - December 19, 2012 3:02 PM EST)

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) ticks higher as CEO Michael O. Johnson spoke a few words on CNBC. In part, he said Ackman's action was "blatant" market manipulation.

UPDATE - Johnson said Ackman sets presentation day before puts expire and that Ackman refused to participate in puts expiration.

Herbalife is down 12.8 percent Wednesday afternoon.

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