The courtship between insurance giants Cigna and Humana is just not meant to be, Cigna officials said Monday. Why it matters: The statement marks the likely end to on-and-off discussions about combining the companies into what would have been the nation's second-largest insurer — and potentially drawing antitrust scrutiny.

Additionally, in light of recent and persistent speculation, The Cigna Group expects to communicate that the company is not pursuing a combination with Humana Inc. The Cigna Group

Despite reports that merger talks were back on, Cigna officially squashed rumors that it was looking to acquire Humana in a statement on Monday. | Despite reports that merger talks were back on, Cigna officially squashed rumors that it was looking to acquire Humana in a statement on Monday.