The Department of Justice requested additional information from Cigna and Express Scripts as the government reviews Cigna's proposed $54 billion purchase of the pharmacy giant.
In an April 23 Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Cigna said the companies still expect the transaction to close by Dec. 31. The insurer and pharmacy benefits manager announced their proposed transaction March 8.
The request for information comes shortly after Cigna confirmed it will undergo DOJ scrutiny as it attempts to acquire Express Scripts. Bloomberg reported Cigna began notifying investors about the DOJ's pending review in early April. In a statement to the publication, Cigna said it is "optimistic in our ability to obtain regulatory approval" from the department. At the time, the DOJ and Express Scripts declined to comment on the matter.