The Dutch group ING is in talks with the American AETNA ($26.45 bn turnover in 1999), with which it had already been in negotiations in March, at that time associated with WELLPOINT HEALTH NETWORK (see EI of 15 March). Talks are on the sale of AETNA's financial services division and international activities. According to the American television CNBC, ING could pay $9 bn for the purchase.