CSL says U.S. regulator may block Talecris deal

SYDNEY, May 25 (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Trade Commission officials are opposed to Australian biotech firm CSL Ltd's (CSL.AX) planned $3.1 billion purchase of smaller U.S. rival Talecris Biotherapeutics Holdings Corp, CSL said on Monday.

CSL said commission staff had recommended the agency's commissioners take legal action to block the deal, which is aimed at boosting CSL's presence in the fast-growing biopharmaceutical industry.

A final decision from the commissioners is likely to be announced on May 28, the Australian company added. (Reporting by Mark Bendeich, editing by Jonathan Standing)