AdTheorent Inc. is nearing a combination with a special-purpose acquisition company to go public in a deal that would value the firm at about $1 billion, people familiar with the matter said. AdTheorent uses machine learning and data science to optimize advertising and marketing campaigns for its customers. It says it can efficiently target consumers without using sensitive personal data.

AdTheorent would merge with the MCAP Acquisition Corporation (NasdaqCM:MACQ), the people said. The deal could be announced as soon as this week.