Talecris Biotherapeutics shareholders approved the company’s proposed $4 billion takeover by of Spain this afternoon, but the deal still needs approval from U.S. antitrust regulators.

During a meeting at the Research Triangle Park Marriott, shareholders owning 85 percent of Talecris’ outstanding common stock voted in favor of the deal.

Grifols acquisition of Talecris won’t close before March 21, and Talecris CEO Larry Stern told shareholders that the deadline could be extended further.

“There can be no assurance that Grifols will reach resolution with the [Federal Trade Commission] by March 20, 2011,” Stern said.

“Certainly, however, the FTC, Grifols and we would not be engaging in discussions and extending the timeline if we did not believe that these discussions were worthwhile. We remain optimistic that Grifols will ultimately reach resolution with the FTC.”

Grifols announced in June its plan to buy Talecris, which is based in Research Triangle Park and is North Carolina’s largest biotechnology company.
 

North Carolina's top consumer advocate is leaving after a year in the job to become a commissioner with the Federal Trade Commission.

Julie Brill was confirmed late Wednesday by the U.S. Senate. Brill became the senior deputy attorney general and chief of consumer protection and antitrust for the N.C. Department of Justice in February, 2009.

"Julie Brill is a tireless advocate for consumers," N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper said in a statement. "I know she will continue to work hard for consumers' rights across the nation just as she has done here in North Carolina."

As a member of the N.C. Attorney General's office, Brill worked to resolve cases against pharmaceutical companies and banks, and increased assistance available to homeowners facing foreclosure and debt collectors.

Before joining the AG's office, Brill spent more than 20 years in a similar role in Vermont.

President Barack Obama nominated Brill to the FTC position last fall.

Noelle Talley, spokeswoman for Cooper's office, said that the AG's office is looking for a replacement for Brill.