Quarrels have broken out behind the scenes of Anthem Inc.’s $48 billion proposed acquisition of Cigna Corp. as the health insurers seek regulatory approval for their landmark deal, The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday. The squabbles could delay or derail antitrust approvals, which are typically harder to obtain if both parties aren’t in sync. While neither company has sought to terminate the merger — and it doesn’t appear in danger of imminent collapse — Anthem and Cigna are bickering on several fronts. Among other things, the companies have privately accused each other of violating their July merger agreement and fumbling submissions to regulators. The discord shows how corporate marriages — which must navigate choppy markets and exacting regulators — can also be vulnerable from within, as disagreements fuel resentment and lines of communication fray.
