Optum-Amedisys deal receives shareholder approval

In an overwhelming majority, Amedisys shareholders approved a $3.3 billion acquisition by UnitedHealth Group's Optum on Sept. 8.

There were more than 25 million votes in favor, 30,000 against and 67,000 abstensions, according to an SEC filing. In a second vote, shareholders approved executive compensations under the new merger.

Optum's plan to merge with the Baton Rouge, La.-based home and hospice care provider was announced in June. 

The deal is already facing scrutiny from the Justice Department, which requested additional information about the proposed merger in August and extended the waiting period for the deal under federal law.

"There can be no assurance that the merger will not be challenged on antitrust grounds or, if such a challenge is made, that the challenge will not be successful," Amedisys wrote in a separate SEC filing.

An Amedisys stockholder also filed a lawsuit against the company in August, seeking to halt the purchase and alleging that directors misrepresented key information in a proxy statement related to UnitedHealth's proposed acquisition of the company. 

Amedisys was founded in 1982 and provides home health, hospice and high-acuity care services. The company employs 18,000 people across 532 care centers in 37 states and the District of Columbia.

UnitedHealth Group is rapidly growing its home care capabilities. In February, the company closed on its $5.4 billion acquisition of home health firm LHC Group.


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