Spotlight: PacifiCare Fires 300 in Merger-Related Restructuring

PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. said it fired 300 workers, or about 3% of its work force, to cut costs and eliminate duplicate jobs created by its $2.2-billion acquisition of FHP International Inc. The Santa Ana-based company said the firings are effective immediately and those affected--mostly in the sales and marketing departments--will receive severance benefits and other assistance. The company employs about 10,000 people in 11 states. PacifiCare has faced problems since the February merger.