UNH, Aetna join health-merger speculation list

 

 

 

UnitedHealth and Aetna on Monday night joined the list of health giants said to be exploring a potential merger.

Citing unnamed “people familiar with the matter,” The Wall Street Journal said UnitedHealth has approached Aetna about a takeover valued at around $40 billion.

This came after a Journal report published earlier Monday cited anonymous sources saying that Anthem has approached Cigna about taking it over for about $45 billion.

Despite the uncertain prospects of either deal, speculation regarding various companies sent the pulse of the the health sector racing Monday, even as major benchmarks slid around half a percent.

UNH and AET surged 1.1% and 4.4%, respectively. Cigna (CI) jumped 11.7%, whileANTM climbed 2,3%.

 

 

[“source-usatoday.com”]