Opponents of CVS-Aetna Merger See Opportunity in Judge’s Order

Two different interests groups have asked a federal judge in Washington, D.C., for a chance to make their case against CVS’ proposed $69 billion acquisition of Aetna.

All the parties are due in U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Leon’s court on Tuesday after Leon raised questions about whether he should put the brakes on the merger.

Attorneys for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group and for two groups of independent pharmacists’ filed petitions asking Leon to hear their arguments against the merger. The would-be intervenors argue that the combined company could squelch competition and drive up prescription drug costs.