Merck in Talks to Acquire Cubist for ~$100/Share

Merck & Co Inc.

, is reportedly in talks to acquire Lexington, MA-based Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc.

for around $7.5 billion, or approximately $100 per share according to the

. A deal could be announced as early as next week, according to persons familiar with the matter. Cubist shares closed Friday at $74.36, down $0.16.