Canada's Valeant Pharmaceuticals International is nearing a deal to acquire eye care company Bausch & Lomb from private equity owner Warburg Pincus for about $9 billion, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The person requested anonymity because the matter is not public. Valeant and Bausch & Lomb could not be immediately reached for comment. Warburg Pincus declined to comment.

The Wall Street Journal, which earlier reported on the talks, said a deal might come as soon as next week.