OREANDA-NEWS. A.M. Best has commented that the under review with negative implications status and the financial strength ratings, issuer credit ratings and issue ratings of Anthem, Inc. (Anthem) (Indianapolis, IN) and its subsidiaries remain unchanged.

This comment by A.M. Best follows the announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and attorney generals from multiple states that they have filed suit to block the pending acquisition of Cigna Corporation (Cigna) by Anthem. Anthem has announced that it is fully committed to challenging the DOJ’s decision in court and is open to reaching a settlement with the DOJ that would allow the transaction to be completed, while Cigna has commented that it is currently evaluating its options under the agreement. The ratings will remain under review until more clarity regarding the future of the lawsuit and merger becomes available. This could include a path for the completion of the transaction or the two organizations remaining as separate legal entities.