Cigna Rebuffs Takeover by Anthem

[Yagents]

Wonderful...........soon, there will only be 1-2 left to sell

Cigna rebuffs takeover approach by Anthem: DJ, citing sources

Cigna rejected a takeover approach from larger health insurer Anthem, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing sources.

Cigna shares spiked after the report, touching a new all-time high before retreating slightly. The stock was up more than 13 percent midday Monday. Months of discussions have taken place, and Anthem has made two bids for Cigna, the most recent at about $175 per share, according to the newspaper.

Read MoreMajor inflection point looms for US health-care costs

The news comes after reports of wider consolidation in the sector. Humana—a key player in Medicare—has received takeover interest from companies including Cigna and Aetna, the Journal reported last month.

On Monday morning, Anthem's market capitalization was about $43 billion, while Cigna's was at roughly $35 billion. Cigna's value would reach nearly $45 billion at the reported $175 per share price.

Read MoreHumana receives takeover interest from possible buyers: Report

Both Anthem and Cigna told CNBC they did not comment on speculation.

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And another one:

http://www.modernhealthcare.com/art...0615-NEWS-150619951&utm_campaign=financedaily

 

[somarco]

From Modern Healthcare

Insurers have thrived under the Affordable Care Act,

How are we defining thrive these days?

 

[Yagents]

And United wants to buy Aetna:

UNH, Aetna join health-merger speculation list

 

[DS4]

From Modern Healthcare



How are we defining thrive these days?

Enrollment?.......

 

[AllenChicago]

Anthem doesn't like being rebuffed. It's sweetened it's offer to CIGNA..

"NEW YORK (AP) — After getting the cold shoulder, U.S. health insurer Anthem Inc. said it's raising its offer to buy smaller rival Cigna Corp. for about $47 billion, including cash and stock.

Indianapolis-based Anthem said Saturday it's proposing $184 per share, about 31 percent of that would be in Anthem shares and the remainder in cash. The offer represents a premium to Cigna's stockholders of 18 percent over Cigna's closing stock price on Friday. It said the bid also represents a premium of 35.4 percent based on the closing price of Cigna's shares on May 28 when reports of industry merger talks began. Anthem said the total transaction is valued at nearly $54 billion, including debt."

Source: Anthem proposes to buy Cigna for $184 per share | Insurance News Net

 

[goillini52]

Anthem doesn't like being rebuffed. It's sweetened it's offer to CIGNA..

"NEW YORK (AP) — After getting the cold shoulder, U.S. health insurer Anthem Inc. said it's raising its offer to buy smaller rival Cigna Corp. for about $47 billion, including cash and stock.

Indianapolis-based Anthem said Saturday it's proposing $184 per share, about 31 percent of that would be in Anthem shares and the remainder in cash. The offer represents a premium to Cigna's stockholders of 18 percent over Cigna's closing stock price on Friday. It said the bid also represents a premium of 35.4 percent based on the closing price of Cigna's shares on May 28 when reports of industry merger talks began. Anthem said the total transaction is valued at nearly $54 billion, including debt."

Source: Anthem proposes to buy Cigna for $184 per share | Insurance News Net

Troubled waters?

Cigna says acquisition by Anthem may not happen this year | LifeHealthPro