Here's a look at how the companies' positions on the deal have evolved: Then : In its rejection of Anthem's offer, Cigna's board cited what it deemed Anthem's lack of a growth strategy. Now : In a call with investors Friday, Cigna CEO David Cordani, (pictured above left), said the deal gives his company the opportunity to "accelerate sustained growth" that it has experienced in the last five years. "The complementary nature of our businesses will allow us to leverage the deep global healthcare knowledge, local market talent and expertise of both organizations," he said in a statement.