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US: DOJ expresses concern over $54B Anthem-Cigna merger

By  |  May 22, 2016

Quarrels have broken out behind the scenes of Anthem’s proposed acquisition of Cigna, as the health insurers seek regulatory approval for their landmark deal, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

The newspaper said the squabbles could delay or derail antitrust approvals, though the deal does not appear to be in danger of imminent collapse.

An Anthem spokeswoman declined to comment on the Journal report. Cigna officials were not immediately available to comment.

In a series of letters between top officials including their chief executives, the Journal said Anthem and Cigna accuse each other of violating the July merger agreement and fumbling submissions to regulators.

A key point of contention is Anthem’s lawsuit against Express Scripts Holding Co, a middleman for prescription drugs, according to the newspaper. The suit accuses Express Scripts of overcharging Anthem for drugs.

Full Content: Reuters

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