The theory that strategics would emerge as the new fuel for the M&A market has failed to pan out as strongly as expected, but at least a few companies showed some deal courage on Friday.
** UnitedHealth Group Inc. said on Friday it would acquire health-related businesses from Fiserv Inc. for $775 million to strengthen its customized benefit-service offerings.
** Dutch insurer Aegon is close to buying Swiss Life’s Dutch and Belgian units for just over 1 billion euros ($1.44 billion), a Dutch newspaper reported on Friday.
** Steven Madden shareholder Clinton Group said it was “pleased” by the shoe-maker’s decision to evaluate strategic alternatives.
** China National Chemical Corp (ChemChina) and Blackstone Group teamed up to offer more than $3 billion for Australian farm chemicals group Nufarm Ltd., a source familiar with the deal said.
** ABX Air Inc. agreed to acquire privately held Cargo Holdings International Inc, a provider of outsourced air cargo services, for about $350 million.
** SunTrust Banks Inc. said it has agreed to acquire GB&T Bancshares Inc. in a deal valued at about $153.7 million, to bolster its presence in several high-growth Georgia markets.
…..And the list goes on.
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Companies with good boards might be safe investments. I think that it’s important to know who’s on a company’s board. As the NewsVisual article on CIGNA http://www.newsvisual.com/newsvisual/200 7/11/cigna.html clearly shows, this company has very experienced directors, which helps to explain their positive earnings report. That’s why it’s really important to know who they are.
- Posted by Bill Jones