Nuclear medicine company Curium is in advanced talks to acquire Lantheus Holdings Inc. (LHTN.US), according to sources familiar with the matter, with a potential announcement expected in the coming days.

Under the proposed terms, Curium, backed by private equity firm CapVest Partners, would offer approximately $102 per share upfront, plus a contingent value right (CVR) of $12.50 per share. This values Lantheus at roughly $7 billion initially, rising to as much as $8 billion if the CVR is included. The CVR represents additional consideration for selling shareholders, payable upon achieving specific future milestones.

Sources cautioned that a final decision has not been made, the talks could still fall apart, and the terms may change. On Monday, Lantheus shares closed 2.1% higher at $108.03 on the New York Stock Exchange, giving the Bedford, Massachusetts-based company a market capitalization of about $7 billion.

Curium itself was valued at approximately $7 billion last year when CapVest established a continuation vehicle for its nuclear medicine business. Representatives for Lantheus and Curium declined to comment, while CapVest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reports from May revealed that Lantheus was exploring a sale after receiving an acquisition approach from Curium. Lantheus's core revenue driver is PYLARIFY, a radioactive imaging agent used to detect whether prostate cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Curium produces radioactive tracers for diagnosing tumors and diseases of the heart, bones, and brain. The two companies previously announced a licensing and distribution agreement for the European market in 2023.