Shareholders of Cypress-based PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. gave near-unanimous approval to UnitedHealth Group Inc.’s $8.1 billion buyout offer on Thursday.
The deal still needs regulatory approval from California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, among other regulators.
Earlier this month, Garamendi said he would deny UnitedHealth’s bid for PacifiCare unless he was assured the deal wouldn’t result in higher premiums for policyholders.
Garamendi has the power to block acquisitions in the insurance industry if he feels they might harm policyholders.
Meanwhile, UnitedHealth said Thursday that it resubmitted its acquisition filing to the Department of Justice, which will have more time to review the deal.
The companies said the refiling shouldn’t affect the closing of the deal, which is expected late this year or early next.
