Here are five key thoughts:
1. Sources familiar with the matter claim Anthem would not consider buying Aetna assets if Anthem realistically plans to purchase Cigna. Aetna is in the works of a Humana merger, a major rival of Cigna.
2. Wall Street analysts have said the Department of Justice will likely work to block the Anthem-Cigna merger, but Anthem can still fight the move as its agreement with Cigna runs through January 2017.
3. However, if Anthem opts to fight the Department of Justice, the payer would miss a viable opportunity to purchase Aetna’s assets.
4. If Anthem breaks the deal, it would face a $1.85 billion break-up fee.
5. An Anthem spokesperson said, “Anthem and Cigna are not in discussions regarding a termination of the merger agreement or the payment of a breakup fee.” However, the spokesperson did not comment on Mr. Gallina’s statement on Anthem’s plans to purchase Aetna assets.
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