DOJ says it is closely reviewing opinion to evaluate next steps.
September 20, 2022 – Susan Morse, Executive Editor –
UnitedHealth Group and Change Healthcare have won their case to merge.
Federal Judge Carl Nichols on Monday denied the Department of Justice’s request to block the $13 billion merger, with the DOJ saying it is evaluating its next steps.
“… It is ordered that the Government’s request to enjoin the proposed merger of Defendant UnitedHealth Group Incorporated with Defendant Change Healthcare, Inc. is denied,” Nichols said. “It is further ordered that Defendants divest ClaimsXten to TPG Capital as proposed. And it is further ordered that judgment be entered for Defendants.”
UnitedHealth Group released this statement on the decision: “We are pleased with the decision and look forward to combining with Change Healthcare as quickly as possible so that together we can continue our work to make the health system work better for everyone.”
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter for the Antitrust Division said by statement, according to America News: “We respectfully disagree with the court’s decision and are reviewing the opinion closely to evaluate next steps.”
