The healthy insurer is paying $1.3 billion for a data analysis company. : When it comes to M&A, UnitedHealth Group Inc. is one of the health insurance industry's most prolific dealmakers. Its latest purchase is a reminder that it's among the smartest in that category as well. The company agreed on Tuesday to acquire Advisory Board Co.'s health care analytics, research and consulting operations for about $1.3 billion including debt. The merger is part of a two-way deal that will also see private equity firm Vista Equity Partners purchase Advisory Board's education arm for $1.55 billion.