Talecris Biotherapeutics, which began trading publicly last month, reported higher third-quarter profit as the company sold more medicine made from blood plasma.
The Research Triangle Park-based company this afternoon reported revenue of $395.7 million for the period ended Sept. 30, up about 13 percent from a year earlier. Profit rose to $35.8 million.
It was Talecris' first earnings report since the company raised $950 million in its initial public offering, one of the largest and most successful IPOs on Wall Street this year. The shares began trading publicly at $19 on Oct. 1. On Monday, the stock rose 33 cents to close at $20.76.
The money raised was used mostly to repay debt. But the IPO and a $600 million debt refinancing also allowed the company to improve its balance sheet and plan future expansion.
Company officials have said they'll consider adding capacity at Talecris' Clayton factory, which employs about 1,500 people, but also are looking at other sites.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or 
