Business
United-Sierra merger moves closer; Nevada attorney general to review
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 24, 2007
United HealthGroup has received all the necessary state agency reviews and approvals needed to move forward with its planned merger with Las Vegas-based Sierra Health Services.
On Sept. 6 the California Dept. of Insurance was the final state to approve the deal, following Nevada and Arizona. Final approval will need to come from the U.S. Dept. of Justice. The American Medical Association has asked the Justice Dept. to block the $2.6 billion deal, saying it would allow United to dominate the Nevada market, especially the Las Vegas segment.
Meanwhile, the attorney general of Nevada is reviewing whether to sue to block the deal, which also is opposed by the Nevada State Medical Assn. and the state's governor. The governor had asked the attorney general to review the merger after the state's insurance commissioner approved it. A decision is expected by Sept. 30.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/09/24/bibf0924.htm.