Aetna $37 billion acquisition of Humana

Overview:

• Aetna's proposed $37 billion acquisition of Humana has been blocked by the US Justice Department.
• The ruling was based on fears that the merger would significantly reduce health insurance competition. 
• Aetna is mulling the prospect of an appeal.
• The original deal had valued Humana's stock at $230 per share.
• The combined company would have had over 33 million health insurance members.
• As a result of the failed merger, Aetna owes Humana a $1 billion fee.
• The transaction had first been announced in July, 2015.

Kurt Stumpo - Journalist