A blank-cheque company backed by Richard Branson's Virgin.com Limited (Virgin Group) is in talks to merge with 23andMe, Inc., in a deal that would vault the genetics testing start-up on to public markets. The merger with Richard Branson's special purpose acquisition company, VG Acquisition Corp. (NYSE:VGAC), could value 23andMe at about $4 billion, according to two people briefed on the discussions.

A deal could be reached within weeks, the people said, although the talks could still fall apart. Bloomberg first reported on the discussions. Shares in the Spac are trading at close to $14.

23andMe and a representative for Richard Branson declined to comment.