Grifols
Corporate brand
UnclaimedGrifols is a Spanish global healthcare company specializing in plasma-derived medicines, plasma collection, transfusion diagnostics, and related biopharmaceutical technologies.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Grifols is a Barcelona-founded healthcare and biopharmaceutical group whose principal business is the collection and industrial processing of human plasma into medicines. Its portfolio is centered on plasma-derived therapies such as immunoglobulins, albumin, factor VIII, alpha-1 antitrypsin, antithrombin, fibrinogen, and specialized hyperimmune immunoglobulins. These products are used in immunodeficiencies, neurological conditions, bleeding disorders, liver disease, intensive-care medicine, respiratory disease, and infectious-disease prevention. The company traces its origins to 1909, when hematologist and scientist Josep Antoni Grífols i Roig established a clinical analysis laboratory in Barcelona. Early work combined laboratory diagnostics with blood-transfusion technology. Grífols i Roig patented an instrument for indirect transfusion known as the transfusion flebula, while his sons Josep Antoni Grífols i Lucas and Víctor Grífols i Lucas later helped develop the company’s work in clinical analysis and freeze-dried plasma. Research led by Josep Antoni Grífols i Lucas contributed to the early clinical application of plasmapheresis, a process that separates plasma from donated blood and permits repeated plasma donation. The business became more formally organized after the post-war period, and in 1987 control passed to Víctor Grifols Roura, who created Grupo Grifols as a holding structure bringing together the commercial company, clinical diagnostics, plasma-derived medicines, and parenteral products. Internationalization began with the opening of a Portuguese subsidiary in 1988. Grifols then built a global supply model combining plasma-donation centers, fractionation plants, research facilities, manufacturing operations, and commercial subsidiaries. Its expansion accelerated through acquisitions. The company entered the U.S. plasma-collection market through the purchase of SeraCare’s donation centers in 2002, later known as Biomat, and acquired Alpha Therapeutic Corporation-Mitsubishi in 2003. The 2011 acquisition of Talecris Biotherapeutics substantially increased its scale in plasma-derived medicines. Grifols subsequently expanded transfusion diagnostics through the acquisition of Novartis’s blood-transfusion diagnostics unit in 2014 and Hologic’s transfusion business in 2017. Haema and Interstate Blood Bank enlarged its collection network in Europe and North America, while Alkahest and GigaGen extended its research interests into plasma-proteome science and recombinant polyclonal antibodies. The 2022 acquisition of Biotest strengthened its European plasma-products platform. Grifols also operates in transfusion medicine, supplying blood-screening reagents, instruments, and nucleic-acid-testing technologies to clinical laboratories. Through Grifols Engineering, it designs facilities and provides engineering and consulting capabilities to pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations. Its research network covers plasma-derived therapies, recombinant antibodies, diagnostics, respiratory disorders, immunodeficiencies, infectious diseases, critical care, and age-related conditions. The group has developed public-private and commercial alliances in several markets. Examples include the Grifols Egypt for Plasma Derivatives project with Egypt’s National Service Projects Organization, an agreement with Canadian Blood Services intended to support immunoglobulin self-sufficiency, and strategic relationships in China with Shanghai RAAS and Haier Group. Grifols became publicly traded in Madrid in 2006 and joined the IBEX 35 in 2008. It later began trading on Nasdaq following the Talecris transaction. The company remains active internationally, with a large workforce, a network of plasma donation centers concentrated particularly in the United States, industrial facilities in multiple countries, and direct commercial or operating presence in more than 30 markets. Its recent corporate history has also been marked by scrutiny of its accounting and governance, including public reports by Gotham City Research in 2024, litigation and regulatory attention, and unsuccessful discussions concerning a possible take-private transaction with Brookfield.
History
Grifols began in Barcelona in 1909, when hematologist and scientist Josep Antoni Grífols i Roig founded the Instituto Central de Análisis Clínicos, Bacteriológicos y Químicos. The laboratory established the scientific and diagnostic foundations of the later business. Grífols i Roig also patented the transfusion flebula, an early instrument for indirect blood transfusion. After the Spanish post-war period, Grífols i Roig and his sons, Josep Antoni Grífols i Lucas and Víctor Grífols i Lucas, founded Laboratorios Grifols. The company worked in clinical analysis and the preparation of freeze-dried plasma. In 1952, a study led by Josep Antoni Grífols i Lucas reported systematic human results involving plasmapheresis in the British Medical Journal. This work became important to the company’s later focus on plasma collection and plasma-derived medicines. In 1987, Víctor Grifols Roura assumed control and created Grupo Grifols, a holding structure that brought together the commercial business, clinical diagnostics, plasma-derived medicines, and parenteral operations. The company opened its first international subsidiary in Portugal in 1988. Its next phase was defined by international acquisitions and the construction of a vertically integrated plasma platform. Grifols bought 43 U.S. plasma-donation centers from SeraCare in 2002; those operations later became associated with Biomat. In 2003 it acquired Alpha Therapeutic Corporation-Mitsubishi, including a plasma-fractionation facility in Los Angeles. The acquisition of Talecris Biotherapeutics in 2011 made Grifols one of the world’s largest plasma-derived-medicine manufacturers and led to Nasdaq trading. The company expanded beyond plasma therapies through the purchase of Novartis’s blood-transfusion diagnostics unit in 2014 and Hologic’s transfusion business in 2017. These transactions strengthened its reagent, instrumentation, and nucleic-acid-testing capabilities. Grifols acquired the German plasma-center operator Haema in 2018 and Interstate Blood Bank in 2019, increasing its donation-center network. It also invested in Alkahest in 2015 and acquired the remaining shares in 2020, pursuing research based on the human plasma proteome. After taking a significant stake in GigaGen in 2017, Grifols acquired the remaining capital in 2021 to develop recombinant polyclonal antibodies. In 2022, it acquired Biotest, a German producer of plasma-derived medicines. Grifols has pursued alliances intended to expand plasma collection and manufacturing capacity. In 2020 it joined Egypt’s National Service Projects Organization in the Grifols Egypt for Plasma Derivatives project. In 2022 it entered a long-term agreement with Canadian Blood Services related to immunoglobulin supply and self-sufficiency. It also maintained Chinese strategic relationships, including an alliance with Shanghai RAAS and a later relationship with Haier Group. The company became listed on the Bolsa de Madrid in 2006 and entered the IBEX 35 in 2008. Its present activities span plasma donation, fractionation, biopharmaceutical production, transfusion diagnostics, clinical laboratory systems, research supplies, and engineering. Grifols reports operations serving more than 110 countries and regions, with direct presence in more than 30 and industrial facilities in several countries. The company’s recent history has included substantial governance and market controversy. In 2024 Gotham City Research published reports challenging Grifols’ accounting and financial presentation. Grifols disputed the reports, filed a lawsuit, and later announced governance changes involving independent directors. A proposed evaluation of a possible takeover by Brookfield and the Grifols family ended without a completed transaction. Separate legal and regulatory matters have concerned alleged discriminatory plasma-donation practices, employment accommodation, and an alleged injury during plasma collection. These claims and investigations should be distinguished from final judicial findings.
- 2024
Accounting and governance controversy
[1]Gotham City Research reports led to a public dispute, litigation, market scrutiny, and announced governance changes.
- 2022
Biotest acquired
[1]The acquisition strengthened Grifols’ European plasma-derived-medicines business.
- 2021
GigaGen fully acquired
[1]Grifols acquired the remaining capital of GigaGen, a developer of recombinant polyclonal antibodies.
- 2020
Egypt plasma-derivatives venture established
[1]Grifols and Egypt’s National Service Projects Organization agreed to develop an integrated plasma-sourcing and manufacturing platform.
- 2020
Alkahest fully acquired
[1]Grifols acquired the remaining shares of Alkahest to deepen plasma-proteome research.
- 2019
Interstate Blood Bank acquired
[1]Grifols expanded its North American donation-center network through the acquisition of Interstate Blood Bank.
- 2018
Haema acquired
[1]The acquisition of Germany’s Haema expanded Grifols’ European plasma-donation network.
- 2017
GigaGen investment and Hologic transfusion acquisition
[1]Grifols invested in GigaGen and acquired Hologic’s transfusion business, strengthening diagnostics and antibody research.
- 2014
Novartis transfusion diagnostics acquisition
[1]Grifols acquired Novartis’s blood-transfusion diagnostics unit.
- 2011
Talecris acquisition
[1]The acquisition of Talecris Biotherapeutics greatly expanded Grifols’ plasma-derived-medicines business.
Products and positioning
A vertically integrated global plasma-healthcare specialist combining plasma collection, fractionation, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, transfusion diagnostics, engineering, and research.
Plasma-derived medicine
Immunoglobulins
Grifols produces immunoglobulin therapies, including intravenous and other formulations, for primary and secondary immunodeficiencies and selected neurological and immune-mediated disorders. These medicines are purified from donated human plasma and form one of the company’s core therapeutic franchises.
Plasma-derived medicine
Albumin
Albumin products are used in intensive-care settings and in the management of certain liver-related conditions. Grifols supplies albumin manufactured through plasma fractionation as part of its critical-care and hospital-medicine portfolio.
Coagulation therapy
Factor VIII
Factor VIII products support treatment of hemophilia A and other bleeding disorders associated with insufficient clotting factor activity. They are part of Grifols’ broader range of plasma-derived coagulation therapies.
Respiratory therapy
Alpha-1 antitrypsin
Alpha-1 antitrypsin therapy is intended for patients with inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a condition associated with emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Grifols identifies respiratory disease as one of its principal therapeutic areas.
Coagulation therapy
Antithrombin
Antithrombin products are used in patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency, a disorder that can increase the risk of abnormal blood clotting.
Preventive biologic
Hyperimmune immunoglobulins
Specific hyperimmune immunoglobulins are designed for post-exposure prevention or prophylaxis against selected infections, including rabies and tetanus, by providing targeted antibody activity.
Coagulation therapy
Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen replacement products are used during acute bleeding episodes in adults and children with congenital fibrinogen deficiency.
Diagnostic systems
Transfusion diagnostics
Grifols supplies reagents, instruments, and testing systems for blood grouping, compatibility testing, blood screening, and other transfusion-medicine applications. Its capabilities include nucleic-acid-testing technologies.
Healthcare infrastructure
Plasma collection and fractionation systems
Through its donation-center network and industrial operations, Grifols collects human plasma and fractionates it into pharmaceutical proteins. Grifols Engineering also designs facilities and supplies technical services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology operations.
Controversies
2025
Disability-accommodation employment lawsuit
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Grifols, alleging that the company failed to accommodate a disabled job applicant in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
2025
Manitoba plasma-collection injury claim
A Manitoba man sued Grifols, alleging that a machine malfunction during plasmapheresis caused a serious kidney injury. The supplied material describes an allegation rather than a final finding.
2024
Gotham City Research accounting allegations
Gotham City Research published reports questioning Grifols’ accounting, leverage, and related-party arrangements. Grifols denied the allegations, described the statements as false or misleading, and pursued legal action. The dispute also prompted governance changes and regulatory attention.
2024
Alleged discrimination in plasma-donor eligibility
An Oregon plaintiff, supported by the ACLU of Oregon, sued Grifols over an alleged permanent ban on accepting plasma from gay men. The complaint characterized the practice as discriminatory under Oregon law; the supplied material does not establish a final judicial outcome.
Brand decisions
2024
Introduce independent directors and governance reformsStrategyBackground
The decision followed accounting allegations by Gotham City Research and increased scrutiny from investors and regulators.
Action taken
Grifols announced governance improvements and the introduction of independent directors.
Aftermath
The changes were presented as an effort to reinforce oversight and restore confidence during the accounting dispute.
2024
Evaluate a possible Brookfield take-private transactionM&ABackground
The Grifols family and Brookfield considered a joint takeover amid market and governance pressure.
Action taken
The parties agreed to evaluate a possible bid that could have delisted Grifols from Madrid and Nasdaq.
Aftermath
The takeover discussions were terminated later in 2024 and no completed transaction resulted.
2022
Acquire BiotestM&ABackground
Grifols pursued additional European plasma-derived-medicine capacity and products.
Action taken
Grifols acquired Biotest, a German manufacturer and supplier of plasma-derived medicines.
Aftermath
Biotest became part of Grifols’ European plasma-products platform.
2017
Acquire Hologic’s transfusion businessM&ABackground
Grifols sought to strengthen testing for transfusion medicine, including nucleic-acid-based screening.
Action taken
The company acquired Hologic’s transfusion business.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Grifols’ reagents and instrumentation capabilities.
2014
Acquire Novartis blood-transfusion diagnostics unitM&ABackground
Grifols aimed to expand its transfusion-medicine and diagnostic-testing platform.
Action taken
The company acquired Novartis’s blood-transfusion diagnostics unit in Emeryville, California.
Aftermath
The deal broadened Grifols’ transfusion diagnostics portfolio.
2011
Acquire Talecris BiotherapeuticsM&ABackground
Grifols sought to increase its scale in plasma-derived medicines and strengthen its position in North America.
Action taken
The company acquired Talecris Biotherapeutics.
Aftermath
The transaction made Grifols the world’s third-largest manufacturer of plasma-derived medicines according to the supplied reference material and preceded Nasdaq trading.
Recent events
Reported
Grifols releases quarterly earnings results[4]
Grifols reported quarterly earnings per share of $0.46, exceeding analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.32 by $0.14.
Reported
Grifols partners with Feeding America for hunger-relief drive[5]
Grifols announced a partnership with Feeding America to collect nonperishable food and raise money for local member food banks across the United States.
Reported
Grifols acquires Winnipeg plasma donation center[6]
Grifols announced that its subsidiary Grifols Canada Therapeutics Inc had acquired Prometic Plasma Resources Inc's Winnipeg donation center from Kedrion for USD 4 million in cash.
Reported
Grifols announces agreement to acquire Tiancheng Germany[7]
Grifols announced an agreement with Tiancheng International Investment Ltd. to acquire all shares of Tiancheng (Germany) Pharmaceutical Holdings AG, which owns 89.88% of Biotest's ordinary shares and 1.08% of its preferred shares. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.
Reported
Grifols begins commercializing new HyperHEP B formulation[8]
Grifols began commercializing a new formulation of HyperHEP B, its hepatitis B immune globulin for postexposure prophylaxis.
Reported
Grifols announces planned acquisition of plasma assets from GC Pharma[9]
Grifols announced that it had executed purchase arrangements with GC Pharma to acquire a Montreal plasma fractionation facility, two purification facilities and 11 U.S. plasma collection centers for US$460 million.
Reported
Palette Life Sciences expands distribution for Deflux and Solesta[10]
Palette Life Sciences announced expanded commercial access for Deflux and Solesta in more than 20 countries through five distributors, alongside direct sales in Cyprus, Greece, Hungary and Portugal.
Reported
Grifols announces collaboration with U.S. public health agencies on COVID-19 treatment[11]
Grifols announced a formal collaboration with BARDA, the FDA and other federal public health agencies to collect convalescent plasma, process it into hyperimmune globulin and support studies to assess its potential as a COVID-19 treatment.
Sources11 sources
- 1Grifolsen.wikipedia.org
- 2Grifols corporate governancegrifols.com
- 3Grifols official websitegrifols.com
- 4Grifols发布季度业绩dailypolitical.com
- 5Grifols与Feeding America合作开展抗饥饿行动prnewswire.com
- 6Grifols收购温尼伯血浆捐献中心prnewswire.com
- 7Grifols 宣布协议收购 Tiancheng Germanyprnewswire.co.uk
- 8Grifols开始销售新配方HyperHEP Bprnewswire.com
- 9Grifols 宣布计划收购 GC Pharma 的血浆资产thecorner.eu
- 10Palette Life Sciences 扩大 Deflux 和 Solesta 的分销prweb.com
- 11Grifols宣布与美国公共卫生机构合作开发COVID-19疗法prnewswire.com
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