Reports swirl, again, that DOJ may sue to block UnitedHealth-Change deal

Change Healthcare's stocks took a dive Tuesday afternoon amid reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) may sue to intervene in its $8 billion merger with UnitedHealth Group.

Dealreporter reported that the two companies are preparing for a "last rites" meeting with DOJ, citing sources familiar with the deal. The timing agreement between UnitedHealth, Change and DOJ is set to end next week, and the two companies have agreed to hold off on closing the deal until that agreement ends.

Change's stock opened at $20.32 on Tuesday before dropping $19.72 that afternoon. Its price had climbed back to $20.24 as of about 1:15 p.m.

Rumors also swirled in August 2021 that the DOJ was considering a lawsuit to block the deal.

RELATED: DOJ mulls lawsuit to intervene in UnitedHealth-Change Healthcare deal: reports

The American Hospital Association and other groups have urged DOJ to take a closer look at the acquisition, saying that it would create a "massive consolidation" of healthcare data.

Should the deal close, UnitedHealth Group plans to fold Change Health into its Optum subsidiary.