ST. LOUIS, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that on April 1, 2013, it completed the purchase of Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a AcariaHealth), one of the nation's largest, independent, comprehensive specialty pharmacy companies, from Enhanced Equity Funds. The transaction was financed through a combination of approximately 1.7 million shares of Centene common stock, cash on hand as well as up to $15.3 million of Centene common stock from an equity offering related to funding the escrow account. 

Centene is working closely with AcariaHealth to ensure a seamless transition for customers and other key stakeholders.

The Company expects the acquisition to be neutral to earnings per share in the first 12 months following the acquisition, excluding one-time transaction costs. Additional details will be provided when Centene reports its first quarter financial results on April 23, 2013.

This release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any shares in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration of qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to the rising number of under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and long-term care, in addition to other state-sponsored programs, and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). Centene's CeltiCare subsidiary offers states unique, "exchange based" and other cost-effective coverage solutions for low-income populations. The Company operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and health management, managed vision, telehealth services, and pharmacy benefits management. More information regarding Centene is available at www.centene.com.

SOURCE Centene Corporation