In July, Aetna entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Humana in a deal valued at $37 billion. Under the deal, Humana stockholders will receive $125 in cash and 0.8375 Aetna common shares for each Humana share.
Once the notification is refiled, a new 30-day waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act will be initiated. During that time, the regulatory agencies may request additional information to determine if the transaction violates antitrust laws.
Hospitals have called for the DOJ to take a very close look at the transaction, which they believe might limit competition in some markets. However, Aetna Chairman and CEO Mark Bertolini believes the deal will pass antitrust review.
Aetna continues to project that the transaction will be completed in the second half of 2016.
More articles on payer issues:
2 CEOs who are shaking up healthcare: 10 things to know
How the ‘Big 5’ health insurers fared in Q2
WellCare posts Q2 turnaround of $59.5M
At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.
