Humana Buys Concentra – A Move To Workers Compensation Business?

LOUISVILLE, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Concentra Inc., a privately held health care company based in Addison, Texas, for approximately $790 million in cash. Through its affiliated clinicians, Concentra delivers occupational medicine, urgent care, physical therapy and wellness services to workers and the general public from more than 300 medical centers in 42 states. Nearly 3 million Humana medical members live near a Concentra center. In addition to its medical center locations, Concentra serves employer customers by providing a broad range of health advisory services and operating more than 240 worksite medical facilities.

“Concentra’s focus on evidence-based, cost-effective medical care and a service-driven culture parallels that of Humana and ultimately results in tremendous opportunity across the combined enterprise.”

“Concentra brings solid experience across a number of fronts that fit well with our consumer-focused strategy and will allow both organizations to provide a wide array of services to individuals needing access to convenient and affordable high-quality health care,” said Michael B. McCallister, Humana’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer. “We are excited about the opportunity to acquire a strong stand-alone business that reinforces our core businesses while providing both revenue diversification and opportunities for strategic expansion longer term.”

“This combination with Humana is an excellent opportunity to expand service to patients and employers, as well as enhance access to convenient medical care for patients in communities nationwide,” said James M. Greenwood, Concentra’s chief executive officer. “Concentra’s focus on evidence-based, cost-effective medical care and a service-driven culture parallels that of Humana and ultimately results in tremendous opportunity across the combined enterprise.”

Annual revenues for Concentra approximate $800 million. The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and is anticipated to close in December 2010. Humana’s financial guidance for the years ending December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011 exclude the impact of this pending transaction. Concentra is expected to be slightly accretive to Humana’s earnings for the year ending December 31, 2011.

Editor’s Note: American health insurance companies are seeking new opportunities – some are focusing on health insurance markets in China, India and other countries where free enterprise offers economic gain. The Humana purchase of Concentra signals entry into the Workers Compensation market in the United States, in our opinion. A good business decision it seems.