Biggest business moves of 2016: M&As, antitrust suits and rising organic growth
This year saw record merger & acquisition activity from industry giants such as Aetna, with much continuing to play out into 2017.
M&A
Aetna starts bid to salvage Humana deal in U.S. antitrust trial
Aetna's attempt to assuage U.S. antitrust concerns over its $37 billion takeover of Humana by selling assets to a smaller company landed with a resounding thud.
Benefits Think 5 unanticipated outcomes of agency M&As
Many of these transactions are wrought with issues that are largely avoidable, says columnist Wendy Keneipp.
Wendy Keneipp
Q4intelligence
Anthem and Cigna set for court fight to save $48 billion merger
Anthem Inc.’s proposed merger with Cigna Corp. would reduce health-care competition and raise costs for consumers, U.S. antitrust lawyers will argue Monday when the government goes to court to block the transaction.
Symantec to buy LifeLock for $2.3B
One of the world’s largest cybersecurity companies agrees to buy identity-theft protection services company for about $2.3 billion including debt to expand in services for identity protection.
By
Kiel Porter
MetLife profit falls 52% on costs of retail unit’s spinoff `
MetLife Inc., the largest U.S. life insurer, said third-quarter profit tumbled 52% on derivative losses and costs tied to the spinoff of a U.S. retail business as CEO Steve Kandarian reorganizes the company.
M&A frenzy said to squeeze smaller agencies
But indie sellers are also often eager to return after non-compete clauses expire.
Anthem, Cigna may be forced to reveal merger-dispute documents
Letters and e-mails between the two companies may become evidence in the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking to halt the $48 billion.
MetLife files for spinoff of U.S. unit after weighing IPO
MetLife Inc. has filed for a spinoff of a U.S. retail unit after considering alternate plans to sell the business or exit through an initial public offering.
5 ways to grow your brokerage with a remote service model
OneDigital has grown from a small start-up to a $150M firm by segmenting customers and doing more with less.
Benefits Think 5 options for brokerage ownership transition
Variables often center on accessing liquidity, maintaining control and preserving a legacy, but there are many more factors to consider, says consultant Bob Coen.
Bob Coen
BCI Group, Inc.
Insurance agency mergers continue at high rate
The increase in interest is raising prices; however buyers need to make sure their purchases are worth the cost, OPTIS Partners reports.
Exit interview: Troy Underwood on benefitsCONNECT departure
The founder and CEO addresses selling to benefitexpress, where the company is headed and what he will do next.
Aetna gets December trial date to make case for Humana deal
The decision on the trial’s timing comes after the DOJ tried to persuade a U.S. District judge to delay the start until January, after the companies’ self-imposed merger deadline.
Cigna talks about plan B as U.S. challenge to Anthem bid looms
Chief Executive Officer David Cordani faces a tough task: persuading investors and lawyers that the health insurer is committed to a troubled $48 billion takeover, while also talking up its prospects as an independent company.
Exit interview: Troy Underwood on benefitsCONNECT departure
The founder and CEO addresses selling to benefitexpress, where the company is headed and what he will do next.
Benefits consulting revenue drops to its lowest in five years
Reagan Consulting's survey reveals that organic revenue growth has fallen to 4%, its lowest since 2011.
Aetna judge hands off Anthem merger case to speed trials
The judge overseeing two U.S. cases challenging mergers among four of the biggest health insurers gave up one, improving the odds for rulings on both tie-ups by the end of the year and reducing the chance they fall apart beforehand.
benefitexpress acquires benefitsCONNECT
The ‘natural fit’ will allow insurance brokers and employers to gain access to ben admin, enrollment solutions and ACA capabilities, says Troy Underwood.
Anthem says Cigna deal at risk without merger ruling by year-end
The takeover is in “danger of collapsing” unless there’s a quick trial to resolve a U.S. lawsuit seeking to block the deal.
