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Long-time readers will note that I take a somewhat skeptical view of acquisition strategies (GAG!!). That’s why I was glad to see UnitedHealth (UNH) firmly squash any rumors that it’s about to buy Humana (HUM).

Over the past few days, Humana’s stock has risen while UNH’s has fallen back. Today, UNH released an 8-K report which clearly said that it ain’t interested:

From time to time in late March 2006 and the first half of April 2006, William W. McGuire, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (the "Company"), Stephen J. Hemsley, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and other senior members of the Company's management team will be meeting with investors and analysts.

Those discussions will focus on the Company's strategy, tactics and future outlook, and will include a reaffirmation of the Company's publicly disclosed 2006 financial expectations, including strong revenue growth, outstanding cash generation and a very positive earnings performance. The discussions will reflect the Company’s particular focus in 2006 on organic growth, new internal initiatives and the full integration of recent business combinations. Given this agenda, the discussions will underscore that it is unlikely that the Company will pursue merger activity with any large, multi-site health benefits providers in 2006.

UnitedHealth’s stock is up about 4% today.

Posted by edelfenbein at March 29, 2006 11:49 AM