January 13 Deadline Alert: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Reminds Centene Corp. Investors of Upcoming Lead Plaintiff Deadline and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

BENSALEM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith reminds investors of the upcoming January 13, 2017 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors who purchased Centene Corp. ("Centene" or the "Company") CNC securities between April 26, 2016, and September 6, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Centene investors have until January 13, 2017 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

On March 24, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Health Net, Inc. ("Health Net") for approximately $6 billion, including the assumption of debt. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date.

The complaint filed in this action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements concerning the recent acquisition of Health Net as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects including the underperformance of Health Net legacy insurance programs and the need to increase reserves to offset losses caused by these programs. The complaint further alleges that Defendants failed to inform investors (1) that certain Health Net insurance programs were significantly underperforming; (2) that Health Net's insurance plans were generating material losses; (3) that Centene had overstated Health Net's financial prospects; and, (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' statements about Centene's business, operations, and prospects, were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

If you purchased Centene shares, you may move the Court no later than January 13, 2017 to request appointment as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at http://www.howardsmithlaw.com.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

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