Health-care deal activity heats up as Anthem launches second bid for rival

New York-listed health care provider Anthem has launched another takeover bid for rival Cigna.

News of the potential deal comes amid a resurgence in M&A activity globally back to its pre-crisis pace and record levels of corporate profit margins Stateside.

Following months of talks, it transpired that Anthem had tabled two offers for Cigna over the last ten days, with the latest one coming in at $175 a share, The Wall Street Journal reported on 15 June.

However, thus far the Indianapolis, Indiana-based company´s approaches had been rejected, the media outlet reported, citing a person close to the matter.

Recently, Humana has also been involved in its own talks with both of the above parties, the WSJ added.

As of 17:29 NYSE-listed shares of Cigna were rocketing 13.10% to $155.40 - and leading gains on the S&P 500 - while those in Anthem advanced 2.49% to $164.05.