OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has withdrawn Group Health Cooperative's (GHC) and GHC's subsidiary, Group Health Options, Inc.'s (GHO) 'BBB+' Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) ratings and GHC's 'BBB' Issuer Default Rating (IDR).

Fitch has chosen to withdraw the ratings for commercial reasons. Accordingly, Fitch will no longer provide ratings or analytical coverage on GHC or GHO.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

At the time of their withdrawal, the ratings were on Rating Watch Positive pending GHC's previously announced planned acquisition by a subsidiary of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (KFHP) whose IFS is rated 'A+' by Fitch.

Fitch last took rating actions on GHC and GHO on Oct. 12, 2016 when the agency upgraded the ratings one notch to 'BBB+' and maintained the ratings on Rating Watch Positive.

RATING SENSITIVITES

Not applicable as the ratings have been withdrawn.