Cigna completes purchase of Denver insurer

Cigna Corp., Philadelphia, said it completed its purchase of Great-West Healthcare Holdings Inc., Denver, for $1.5 billion.

The deal, announced in November, is part of a push by Cigna to sell health insurance to small companies.

Great-West, health-care division of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Co., of Winnipeg, Canada, specializes in insuring companies that have fewer than 200 employees.

Cigna closed at $44.18 yesterday on the New York Stock Exchange.