Humana Looks To Hire Merger Specialist After Failed Deal With Aetna

Feb. 13--Humana Inc. is looking to hire a mergers and acquisitions specialist, which Bloomberg News reports could signal a decision that the Louisville, Ky., insurer will not appeal the Jan. 23 federal court decision blocking its proposed $37 billion purchase by Aetna Inc.

The assignment for the job posted Friday is for "mergers, acquisitions and venture capital." The person hired will research and analyze potential acquisition targets and evaluate potential divestitures.

Humana said it will provide an update on the Aetna deal by Thursday, giving it enough time to evaluate the court's decision and any impact on its financial results for 2017. Aetna has said it was seriously considering an appeal.

Bloomberg has reported that Humana may have more than $5 billion to spend on mergers and acquisitions and share repurchases if Aetna chooses to not appeal the ruling.

If the deal collapses, Aetna is required to pay Humana a $1 billion fee under the agreement between the two companies.

Following the decision by U.S. District Judge John Bates, the chief executive officers of Aetna and Humana said they will consider "all available options," though they stopped short of promising an appeal.

In afternoon trading, shares of Humana rose about a half-percent, to $206.39 and Aetna climbed a fraction of 1 percent, to $122.15.

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