Spain's Grifols buys US firm Talecris for $4B

[June 07, 2010]  MADRID (AP) -- Spanish healthcare company Grifols SA said Monday it had acquired Talecris Biotherapeutics, based in North Carolina, for euro3.3 billion ($4 billion) including net debt.

In a statement on its website, Grifols, a leading producer of plasma protein therapies, said the deal would create "a global leader of lifesaving and life-enhancing plasma protein therapeutics."

The company said the acquisition of Talecris is expected to generate approximately euro190 million ($230 million) in operating synergies.

The Spanish company's shares were down 5.6 percent at euro8.7 ($10.5) in midmorning trading in Madrid that saw most companies' shares fall.

Grifols is a holding company specialized in the pharmaceutical-hospital sector and is present in more than 90 countries, the statement said.

Talecris is a worldwide biotherapeutic and biotechnology company that discovers, develops and produces critical care treatments for people with life-threatening disorders, the statement added.

[Associated Press]

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