Crucell N.V. is in preliminary discussions with Wyeth for the purchase of the Dutch vaccine company in a transaction valued at nearly $1.4 billion. In a statement, Crucell confirmed the talks, saying it is in “friendly discussions with Wyeth that may lead to a combination of the two companies.” The talks are at a “preliminary stage.” Crucell, which makes vaccines for hepatitis B, influenza, typhoid and cholera, would strengthen Wyeth’s efforts to accelerate revenue growth.

At an investor conference in New York this week, Wyeth chief executive officer Bernard Poussot indicated that Wyeth may be considering acquisitions. “We are in a position today to be much more aggressive than Wyeth has been in the past five years in making deals,” Mr. Poussot said. The company has around $14 billion in cash and equivalents on hand.

Crucell has licensed its technology to a number of global drug companies including Merck and Wyeth, and has research partnerships with Sanofi-Aventis SA and others. In November, the company reported its first quarterly profit of $15.6 million and adjusted its 2008 revenue-growth forecast from 25% to 30%. Crucell’s 2007 revenue was $300.2 million.