Federal Judge to hear witness testimony in review of Aetna and CVS merger DOJ approval

A federal judge said Friday that he wants to hear from witnesses opposed to a Justice Department ruling that approved a merger between CVS and health care company Aetna. 

Federal Judge Richard Leon is reviewing a Justice Department settlement that permitted CVS’s nearly $70 billion acquisition last year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Such settlements are subject to federal court approval. 

{mosads}Leon reportedly inquired in court whether the settlement sufficiently protected industry competition. A CVS lawyer argued that judges had never called for witnesses in such hearings.

Leon reportedly said he foresaw a weeklong May hearing on the matter. The American Medical Association and consumer rights groups reportedly said they wanted to testify. The Justice Department and CVS would also be permitted to present witnesses. 

A CVS spokesperson declined to comment. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment. The merger closed in November and CVS and Aetna have already posted earnings as one company.