Cigna resumes merger discussions with Humana, Bloomberg News reports

(Reuters) – U.S. health insurer Cigna (NYSE:) Group has revived efforts to merge with smaller rival Humana (NYSE:) after abandoning the pursuit late last year, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The companies have held informal, early discussions recently about a potential deal, the report said.

Shares of Humana were up about 5% in after-hours trading on Friday, while those of Cigna were down about 2%.

Last year, Reuters reported that Cigna ended its attempt to negotiate an acquisition of Humana after the pair failed to agree on a price.

Cigna did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment while Humana declined to comment.