Articles

Indianapolis benefits firms merge

Two Indianapolis benefits consulting firms have finalized their merger, the companies announced this morning. Terms of the
deal between Benefit Associates Inc. and Benefit Consultants Inc., in the works since March, were not disclosed.

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If Dow AgroSciences sells, let’s hope it’s not to a rival

Private equity firms have a reputation as ruthless acquirers. They slash fat and jettison sluggish product lines, all in a quest to wring out higher profits and grow the parts of the business with the most potential. For Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences—or at least for its 1,200 local employees—a buyer like that would be a godsend. […]

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Republic growth strategy fraught with risk

By purchasing two struggling airlines for which it flies, Republic Airways Holdings is taking aboard substantial risks that
threaten its profitable niche, analysts say. Frontier Airlines and Midwest Airlines are not only leaking money, but fly at
an altitude where major carriers routinely dogfight
in a fare war Republic hasn’t had to fight as a contract carrier.

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Express Scripts closer to $4.7B WellPoint deal

Express Scripts Inc. has cleared an
antitrust review for its planned purchase of Indianapolis-based WellPoint
Inc.’s pharmacy benefits management business, bringing the $4.7 billion deal
closer to completion.

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With pharma famine looming, Lilly relying on snack-size deals

Compared with some of his pharmaceutical CEO peers these days, John Lechleiter has his company on a diet. Instead of using a mega-merger to bulk up before the famine that patent expirations will bring on the industry next year,
Lechleiter has Eli Lilly and Co. burning management fat while looking for smaller companies to munch on.

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Ritter’s buyer retools custard chain

Indianapolis residents have been passionate about Ritter’s handmade frozen custard ever since it debuted almost two decades
ago. But while the ice cream is sweet, the story of the former mom-and-pop company’s attempts to morph into something grander
is decidedly bitter. Now, New York-based TruFoods, which bought the company in May 2008, is trying to get the formula
right.

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WellPoint to sell subsidiary for $4.6B

WellPoint Inc. has
agreed to sell its pharmacy benefits management arm for $4.675 billion in cash and stock to St. Louis-based Express Scripts,
the companies announced April 13.

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Durham insider deal sparks outcry

Tim Durham is facing allegations of self-dealing after a publicly traded company he helps run in Dallas acquired assets from
a finance company he owns in Ohio.

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Financial crisis, recession hammer deal flow

Companies searching for a merger or acquisition partner had one heck of a time finding a match last year. Place much of the
blame on the credit crunch that rattled the nation’s economy and sent deal-making into a downward spiral.

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Turmoil forces National City sale

After a 17-year run in Indianapolis, National City’s trademark green signs are set to be replaced with the blue of Pittsburgh-based
PNC Financial.

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Lilly makes $6.5B acquisition

Eli Lilly and Co. CEO John Lechleiter played a game of pharmaceutical poker with former Lilly Chief Financial Officer Jim
Cornelius—and won.

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