Aetna's $37-billion Humana takeover blocked by US judge

Aetna $37-billion deal to buy rival insurer Humana was blocked by a federal judge, thwarting one of two large mergers that would reshape the US health-care landscape. Aetna said it was considering an appeal.

The transaction would violate antitrust laws by reducing competition among insurers, US District Judge John D Bates in Washington ruled on Monday. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Aetna owes Humana a $1-billion breakup fee.

The ruling is a victory for antitrust enforcement efforts initiated by the Obama administration. It may bode poorly for the planned $48-billion merger between Anthem and Cigna, which was challenged by the