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NEW YORK--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Newman Ferrara LLP has begun an investigation into potential claims against the board of directors of Coventry Health Care, Inc. (aCoventrya) (NYSE: CVH) concerning the proposed acquisition of Coventry by Aetna, Inc. (aAetnaa) (NYSE: AET).

On August 20, 2012, Coventry announced that it had entered into an agreement and plan of merger to be acquired by Aetna in a transaction valued at approximately $7.3 billion. Under the merger agreement, Coventry shareholders will receive $27.30 in cash and 0.3885 shares of Aetna common stock for each share of Coventry common stock owned.

However, according to DealReporter, Coventryas Board of Directors unanimously approved the merger agreement without having first conducted an auction for the sale of Coventry on the open market. Under the merger agreement, Coventryas Board of Directors also agreed to pay Aetna an astounding $167.5 million termination fee that Coventry is required to pay Aetna if Coventry chooses to accept a competing offer that provides Coventryas shareholders more value for their shares than Aetnaas offer.

Newman Ferrara LLPas investigation concerns whether Coventryas Board of Directors has breached its fiduciary duties to act in the best interests of Coventryas shareholders and to take all necessary steps to ensure that Coventryas shareholders receive the maximum value readily available for their shares of Coventry stock.

Concerned investors are encouraged to contact Newman Ferrara attorney Roy Shimon at (212) 619-5400 or [ rshimon@nfllp.com ] to discuss this investigation, their rights, or potential remedies.

Newman Ferrara maintains a multifaceted practice based in New York City with attorneys specializing in complex commercial and multi-party litigation, securities fraud and shareholder litigation, consumer protection, civil rights, and real estate. For more information, please visit the firm website at [ www.nfllp.com ].