Grifols has announced an agreement to acquire Talecris Biotherapeutics in a deal valued at around $3.4 billion (2.3 billion pounds).

The takeover will see Grifols expand its presence in the international plasma protein therapies market, providing a greater global footprint and increased manufacturing capabilities, as well as unifying complementary products in a single portfolio.

It states that this will allow the combined company to conduct research into a wide range of fields, addressing a variety of patient needs, as well as providing improved cost efficiency and profitability.

Victor Grifols, chairman and chief executive officer of Grifols, said: "The acquisition of Talecris furthers our vision to better serve patients and healthcare professionals with innovative products, a strong clinical research capability and new research into recombinant therapies."

According to Grifols' most recent financial report in April, the company experienced a strong first quarter in 2010, with total income for the three months increasing by 3.1 per cent year-on-year.