Indianapolis-based Anthem extended the completion deadline of its proposed acquisition of Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna from Jan. 31 to April 30.
The decision comes as the insurers anticipate a court ruling in the U.S. government's attempt to block the transaction. The Justice Department sued the insurers last July over concerns the acquisition would impede health insurance competition and increase consumers' costs.
"Anthem's election to extend the termination date is based on its determination that additional time will be needed to consummate the merger contemplated by the merger agreement, regardless of the outcome of the District Court's proceeding," Anthem wrote in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson has yet to issue a ruling on the case. The trial began Nov. 21 and ended Jan. 4, according to Reuters.