Anthem says Cigna deal 'compelling,' no talks to end the merger

(Bloomberg) — Anthem Inc. said it's not in discussions with Cigna Corp. to end their $48 billion tie-up, as speculation about the health-insurance deal's fate mounts.

The New York Post reported earlier that Anthem may be ready to walk away, citing unidentified sources. Anthem Chief Financial Officer John Gallina told group of analysts that the health insurer was working on "remediation plans" that include buying assets from Aetna Inc., which could indicate Anthem wants out of the Cigna transaction, the newspaper said.

"Anthem and Cigna are not in discussions regarding a termination of the merger agreement or the payment of a breakup fee," Anthem spokeswoman Jill Becher said in an e-mail. "Anthem and Cigna continue to be in ongoing dialogue with the Department of Justice and state regulators regarding the compelling combination of our two companies."