Centene to Buy AcariaHealth for $152M

Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) todayannounced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire SpecialtyTherapeutic Care Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a  AcariaHealth), one of the nation'slargest, independent, comprehensive specialty pharmacy companies, fromEnhanced Equity Funds and affiliates for $152 million.  The transactionconsideration is anticipated to be financed through a combination of Centenecommon stock, cash on hand and existing credit facilities.  The acquisition isexpected to close in the first quarter of 2013, subject to regulatory approvaland other customary conditions.  The Company expects the acquisition to beneutral to earnings per share in the first 12 months following theacquisition, excluding one-time transaction costs.