ST. LOUIS, Apr 24, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Centene Corporation (Nasdaq:CNTE) today announced that it intends to file a registration statement for a proposed offering of approximately 4,700,000 shares of its common stock (excluding shares subject to any underwriters' over-allotment). Of the shares being offered, approximately 4,500,000 shares will be offered by selling stockholders comprised principally of venture capital investors, and the remaining 200,000 shares will be offered by Centene. Net proceeds to Centene from the proposed offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including paying expenses incurred in connection with the proposed offering.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Centene. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus contained in the registration statement to be filed by Centene with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:          Centene Corporation
                  Karey L. Witty, 314/725-4477
                  www.centene.com
                  or
                  In-Site Communications
                  Lisa Carlton Wilson, 212/759-3929 (Investor Relations)

URL:              http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.

Copyright (C) 2002 Business Wire.  All rights reserved.