WellPoint scouts for JV partner

BEIJING - WellPoint Inc, the US largest health benefits provider by membership volume, is scouting for a joint venture partner to set up a health insurance firm in China, the company's top executive said on Tuesday.

Angela Braly, WellPoint's president and CEO, came to China for discussions with potential partners and the industry regulator, but she declined to disclose their names.

"The joint-venture partner should have the same vision as us but need not necessarily be an insurance company," said Braly. "If everything moves on smoothly, we are targeting 2011 for offering health insurance services through the venture."