Express Scripts to buy WellPoint units for $4.68B

[April 13, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Prescription benefits manager Express Scripts Inc. said Monday it is buying health insurer WellPoint Inc.'s pharmaceutical benefit management subsidiaries for just under $4.68 billion.

The buyout of Indianapolis-based WellPoint's NextRx subsidiaries includes a consideration for the value of a future tax benefit for Express Scripts, St. Louis.

The transaction includes a 10-year contract for Express Scripts to provide services to WellPoint following closing of the transaction.

"Our aligned business model, combined with the complementary expertise and capabilities of WellPoint, creates significant opportunities for accelerated growth for both organizations," said Express Scripts Chairman and Chief Executive George Paz, in a statement.

The NextRx subsidiaries provide pharmaceutical benefit management services to about 25 million Americans and manage more than 265 million prescriptions annually.

The companies expect the deal to close in the second half of 2009.

[Associated Press]

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