Rush Limbaugh and Clear Channel's Premiere Radio Networks have reached a deal for an extension that will earn the talk-radio analyst more than $400 million over the next eight years.

The extension contract includes a $100 million signing bonus according to The New York Times. Limbaugh’s existing $225 million, nine-year contract was due to expire in 2009. The two parties reached the agreement nearly a month before the Premiere Radio Networks celebrates 20 years in syndication August 8.

When asked by The New York Times reporters about the very favorable terms of the agreement, Limbaugh said:

"First and foremost, I’m a businessman.”

Limbaugh’s contract is the most lucrative since Howard Stern signed an unprecedented five-year, $500 million satellite deal with Sirius Satellite Radio.

"The Rush Limbaugh Show" daily radio program has had a huge success over the last period and managed to catch the attention of approximately 20 million listeners weekly and play on about 600 stations nationwide. Sean Hannity's syndicated show came in second as it reached 13 million.

Limbaugh’s first goal is to be the focus for the largest possible audience so he could charge confiscatory ad rates, the conservative talk-radio host said.

"I'm having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have," he added.

Limbaugh’s extension comes amid rumor that Premiere will also be involved in a new deal with conservative host Sean Hannity, who is now syndicated by ABC Radio Networks.