UNH, Aetna join health-merger speculation list

UnitedHealth and Aetna on Monday night joined the list of health giants said to be exploring a potential merger.

Citing unnamed "people familiar with the matter," The Wall Street Journal said UnitedHealth has approached Aetna about a takeover valued at around $40 billion.

This came after a Journal report published earlier Monday cited anonymous sources saying that Anthem has approached Cigna about taking it over for about $45 billion.

UnitedHealth spokesman Tyler Mason declined to comment Tuesday morning.

Despite the uncertain prospects of either deal, speculation regarding various companies sent the pulse of the the health sector racing Monday, even as major benchmarks slid around half a percent.

UNH and AET surged 1.1% and 4.4%, respectively. Cigna (CI) jumped 11.7%, while ANTM climbed 2,3%.

Aetna spokesman Cynthia Michener told USA TODAY that the company doesn't comment on "rumors or speculation."

USA TODAY has reached out to UnitedHealth for comment.

USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey contributed to this story.