Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Potential $66B Deal For CVS To Buy Aetna Would Create Mammoth Health Care Company
The Wall Street Journal: CVS Health Closes In On Deal To Buy Aetna
CVS Health Corp. is moving closer to a deal to buy Aetna Inc. for more than $66 billion in cash and stock. The deal, which could be announced by Monday, would create a health-care behemoth selling everything from drugs to insurance. The companies are in advanced stages of negotiating a deal, according to people familiar with the matter. It would likely be valued at between $200 and $205 per Aetna share and consist mainly of cash, some of the people said. (Mattioli and Wilde Mathews, 11/30)
Bloomberg: CVS Nears Deal To Acquire Health Insurer Aetna
CVS Health Corp. is nearing an agreement to acquire health insurer Aetna Inc. for more than $65 billion, according to a person familiar with the negotiations, in a deal that could reshape the pharmacy and health insurance industries. An announcement could come as soon as Monday, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. CVS is likely to agree to pay at least $200 a share for Aetna, with more than 30 percent paid for with cash, according to the person. Talks could still be delayed or fall apart. (Langreth and Tracer, 11/30)
Bloomberg: Express Scripts CEO Open To Insurer Deal, Ties With Amazon
Express Scripts Holding Co.’s chief executive said he’s open to a deal with a health insurer or partnering with Amazon.com Inc. CEO Tim Wentworth’s pharmacy benefits company has been battered by departing clients and the vague specter of Amazon’s entry into the drug business. If a major insurer was interested in a deal, “I would be open to it,” Wentworth said on the sidelines of a conference in New York sponsored by Forbes. “We don’t need to sell to be very successful in the future, but we are always open to others who may all of sudden conclude they want what we have.” (Langreth, 11/30)
