Healthcare firm Grifols has completed the acquisition of Hologic’s blood screening business for around $1.85bn.

As part of the deal, Grifols acquired Hologic’s nucleic acid testing (NAT) unit, which allows to produce assays and instruments.

The deal allows Grifols to use NAT technology for research, development and manufacturing of assays and instruments to detect the presence of infectious agents in blood and plasma donations.

Both firms already market the assays and instruments across the globe, based on the existing agreement.

The assets acquired include a production facility in San Diego of the US, in addition to development rights, licenses to patents and access to product manufacturers.

According to Grifols, the acquired business helps the company to manufacture antigens for immunoassay and blood-typing products.

The deal also includes the transfer of acquired business unit’s 175 employees to Grifols.

In 2014, Grifols purchased certain assets from Novartis, which provided rights to market transfusion medicine assays and instruments using NAT technology.

Hologic chairman, president and CEO Steve MacMillan said: "Completing the divestiture of our blood screening business will strengthen our efforts to build a sustainable growth company by accelerating top- and bottom-line growth rates, while significantly increasing financial flexibility.

"We are immensely proud of the contributions we have made to global blood safety over nearly 20 years, and wish our former employees and partner much continued success in the field."

Hologic is engaged in the development, manufacturing and supplying of diagnostic products, medical imaging systems and surgical products. 


Image: Hologic chairman, president and CEO Steve MacMillan. Photo: courtesy of Hologic, Inc.