8-KMaterial AgreementsExhibits & Filings

Elevance Health, Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Nov 19, 2004)

Filed November 19, 2004For Securities:ELV

Summary

This 8-K filing by Anthem, Inc. (now Elevance Health, Inc.) reports on the execution of a material agreement, specifically a $3.0 billion loan facility. This loan is a crucial component in financing the company's pending merger with WellPoint Health Networks Inc., which requires approximately $4.0 billion in total cash for the purchase price and associated transaction costs. The company plans to secure permanent or long-term financing through a combination of borrowings under this new loan facility, potential issuance of commercial paper, and the issuance of $2.0 billion in long-term debt securities. The ultimate financing mix will depend on prevailing market conditions. The filing outlines key conditions for drawing on the loan, interest rate terms, maturity, covenants, and events of default, all of which are standard for such a significant financing transaction tied to a major corporate acquisition.

Key Highlights

  • 1Anthem, Inc. entered into a $3.0 billion Loan Agreement, effective November 15, 2004.
  • 2The loan is intended to fund a portion of the cash requirements for the pending merger with WellPoint Health Networks Inc.
  • 3The total cash needed for the WellPoint merger is approximately $4.0 billion.
  • 4Anthem plans a blended financing strategy, including this loan, commercial paper, and $2.0 billion in long-term debt securities.
  • 5The loan agreement contains conditions for funding, including absence of material adverse effects, regulatory and shareholder approvals, and financial ratio requirements (e.g., total debt to capital not exceeding 40%).
  • 6The loan matures within 270 days of closing and must be repaid if the merger is not consummated.
  • 7Standard covenants and events of default, typical for large corporate loan facilities, are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of the $3.0 billion loan agreement is to provide financing for Anthem's pending merger with WellPoint Health Networks Inc. It will help cover a significant portion of the estimated $4.0 billion in cash required for the merger's purchase price and transaction costs.

Anthem intends to finance the WellPoint merger through a combination of sources. This includes up to $3.0 billion from the new loan agreement, potential issuance of commercial paper, and the planned issuance of $2.0 billion in long-term debt securities. The final mix will be determined by market conditions.

Key conditions include the absence of any material adverse effect on the company since December 31, 2003, receipt of necessary government, shareholder, and third-party consents, no pending or threatened material adverse legal actions, specific credit ratings from Moody's and S&P, a pro forma total debt to capital ratio not exceeding 40% after the merger, and a minimum liquidity of $500 million.

The loan agreement has a final maturity of 270 days from the closing and funding date. Importantly, any loans drawn will become due within two days if the merger with WellPoint has not been consummated by that time.