In February 2018, HBF and HCF announced they had signed a Heads of Agreement, which set out key principles for the proposed
merger. Since then, both organisations have been in close discussions to agree and finalise details of how the
merged entity would function, before being put separately to HBF and HCF’s Boards and respective Councils for approval.
HBF and HCF have agreed that it would not be in the best interests of their members for the merger to proceed.
HCF and HBF’s Managing Directors Sheena Jack (HCF) and John Van Der Wielen (HBF) share the view that maintaining a
not-for-profit structure and delivering affordability for members remains the priority.
HCF Managing Director Sheena Jack said:
“At the outset of these discussions both parties agreed a merger would only be pursued in the interests of our members. While we share common ground with HBF as member focused, not-for-profit health funds – the timing for the proposed merger is not right.
“Our focus at this time is to continue delivering strong results and we remain dedicated to delivering affordable products and greater benefits for our 1.5 million members through the execution of this strategy.”
HBF Managing Director John Van Der Wielen said:
“HBF has been clear from the outset that the merger would only proceed if it provided real benefits to HBF members in Western Australia.
“We agreed on broad principles for the proposed merger with HCF, but as discussions progressed it became apparent that pursuing the transaction would not be in the best interests of our members.
“HBF is very well placed to continue to ensure our long standing commitment to members remains in place.”
Media contacts
HBF
Andrew Walton
Head of Corporate Affairs, Media, & Communications
andrew.walton@hbf.com.au
0438 925 050
HCF
Jon Snowball
Jon.snowball@fticonsulting.com
0477 946 068