ABCO Says “Business as Usual,” but is it?

The Advisory Board Co (ABCO) conducted its earnings call yesterday, where CEO Robert Musslewhite warned analysts he wouldn’t be answering questions about the company’s ongoing review of a possible sale. Here’s what else you should know. The Washington-based firm uses research, technology, and consulting to improve the performance of 5,500+ healthcare organizations and educational institutions.

Also, there’s a rumor going around that UnitedHealthcare and Vista Equity Partners (think: investors in Vertafore) are considering acquiring and splitting up the company. In this potential deal, UnitedHealthcare will take over the company’s health-care division, while Vista would acquire the education business. Wait there’s more. Remember when Oscar Health Insurance announced Dennis Weaver, MD, MBA as its Chief Clinical Officer earlier this month? Well, Dennis is an ex-ABCO. Also, this month, Kenneth Kleinberg joined Chilmark Research, after working for ABCO for ~7 years. Bottom Line: deal or no deal, something’s up.