Steven Halper

MModal Low Buyout Premium Signals JPMorgan Bump: Real M&A

MModal Inc.’s agreement to be taken private by JPMorgan Chase & Co. at the medical information industry’s lowest premium in seven years won’t be enough to cement the deal, according to traders who wager on acquisitions.

SXC Health Plunges on Cigna Plan to Acquire Healthspring

SXC Health Solutions Corp., the pharmacy benefits manager for Healthspring Inc.’s customers, fell the most in more than four years after Cigna Corp. announced plans to buy Healthspring.

Medco Third-Quarter Profit Beats Analysts Estimates on Generic Drug Use

Medco Health Solutions Inc., the drug-benefits manager seeking to merge with rival Express Scripts Inc., said third-quarter profit beat analysts’ estimates on greater use of generic drugs. The shares rose 11 percent.

Biggest Takeover Profit in America Beckons Arbitragers to Medco: Real M&A

Traders willing to bet that Express Scripts Inc.’s $29.1 billion offer for Medco Health Solutions Inc. can win antitrust approval now have a chance to earn the biggest profit of any takeover in America.

Express Scripts Third-Quarter Profit Rises on Generic Use

Express Scripts Inc., the drug- benefits manager seeking to buy rival Medco Health Solutions Inc., said third-quarter profit rose 7.7 percent on greater use of low-cost generic drugs.

Blackstone Said to Be in Talks to Buy Software Maker Emdeon for $3 Billion

Blackstone Group LP is in talks to purchase Emdeon Inc., a provider of billing systems and software for health-care companies, for more than $3 billion, including debt, said a person with knowledge of the deal.

Express Scripts, Medco Argue Deal Won’t Harm Competition

Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc., facing congressional scrutiny over their plan to form the biggest U.S. pharmacy-benefits manager, told lawmakers the deal would preserve competition and lower costs while improving patient care.

Allscripts to Buy Eclipsys for $1.3 Billion to Expand in Health Software

Allscripts-Misys Healthcare Solutions Inc. agreed to buy Eclipsys Corp. for $1.3 billion in stock, creating a software company that will allow U.S. doctors and hospitals to share patients’ records.

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Said in Talks to Buy Harrington for $800 Million

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s private-equity unit are in talks to buy medical supply distribution company Harrington Holdings Inc. for about $850 million including debt, said two people with knowledge of the discussions.

PharMerica Poison Pill Gets Biggest Takeover Increase: Real M&A Column

PharMerica Corp. is poised to secure the biggest takeover price increase in America after rejecting Omnicare Inc.’s advances and embracing a poison pill defense against hostile acquirers.

"We view the management changes positively."

- Steven Halper on Dec 19, 2012

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Obama Forces Out U.S. IRS Chief in Bid to Contain Damage

Japan GDP Jumps Most in Year as Consumers Open Wallets: Economy

James Bond’s Pinewood Turned Down on $300 Million Plan

Dollar Climbs Before Manufacturing, Jobs Reports; Aussie Weakens

Soros Joins Gold-Stake Cuts Before Bear Market Drop