Two Minnesota health systems announced plans to combine into a 22-hospital system, and UPMC finalized a deal that moves it into the Ohio market for the first time. Here are nine hospital M&A moves that Becker’s reported during the week of Sept. 28:
1. York (Maine) Hospital joined Portland-based MaineHealth Oct. 1, becoming part of the system’s Southern region.
York Hospital signed a letter of intent in October 2025 to join MaineHealth, citing an increasingly challenging healthcare landscape. The 79-bed hospital became MaineHealth’s 10th.
2. Orlando (Fla.) Health acquired Anniston, Ala.-based RMC Health System’s 375-bed hospital, outpatient facilities and specialty practices on Oct. 1.
The hospital joined Orlando Health’s Baptist Health system as Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital. The hospital comprises nearly 2,000 employees and 200 physicians across a range of specialties. Orlando Health said it will invest “significant resources” over the next five years to enhance Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital’s facilities, equipment and technology.
3. Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Parkview Health acquired Goshen (Ind.) Health’s 105-bed acute care hospital and network of primary and specialty care physicians on Oct. 1.
Under the acquisition, the hospital, now Parkview Goshen Hospital, will have access to Parkview’s additional resources, technology and expertise to support continued growth and long-term sustainability.
4. Morgantown, W.Va.-based WVU Health System acquired Greensburg, Pa.-based Independence Health System’s five hospitals and their affiliated physician practices and outpatient facilities on Oct. 1.
Under the acquisition, WVU Health System has committed $800 million over the next five years to modernize the facilities. The funds will also help grow clinical services and expand care access across the communities the hospitals serve. WVU Health System now comprises 30 hospitals across Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
5. Tampa, Fla.-based Tampa General Hospital officially took over operations at its new location, TGH DeSoto in Arcadia, Fla., on Oct. 1.
In early November 2025, Tampa General shared plans to take over the 49-bed facility, formerly known as DeSoto Memorial Hospital. Tampa General committed to investing at least $45 million in the rural facility. The 49-year lease is $10 per year and includes a purchase option.
6. Tallahassee-based Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare on Sept. 30 finalized core agreements that set the long-term framework for FSU Health, the university’s integrated academic health system for North Florida.
TMH will keep running day-to-day operations under the FSU Health brand. That includes Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, the future Panama City Beach hospital, TMH’s other clinical sites and its employed physician network, TMH Physician Partners. The deal creates a new governance structure that lets FSU nominate board candidates in Tallahassee and Panama City Beach.
7. Pittsburgh-based UPMC completed its acquisition of Steubenville, Ohio-based Trinity Health System from Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health.
The deal marks UPMC’s first move into the Ohio market. The transaction includes Trinity West and Trinity East in Steubenville; Trinity Twin City Medical Center in Dennison, Ohio; Trinity St. Clairsville (Ohio) Neighborhood Hospital; and all associated clinics and care sites. Ownership of the facilities transferred to UPMC on Oct. 1.
8. Kansas City, Kan.-based University of Kansas Health System signed a definitive agreement Sept. 29 to acquire full ownership of St. Francis Campus and its affiliated care sites in Topeka from Brentwood, Tenn.-based Ardent Health.
The deal follows a joint venture of nearly 10 years between the two organizations, according to the Sept. 29 joint news release. Ardent has managed St. Francis’ operations and clinical functions since the partnership began in 2017. Under the new structure, those responsibilities will move to the University of Kansas Health System. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
9. Bloomington, Minn.-based HealthPartners and Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health on Sept. 29 announced plans to combine to form a 22-hospital nonprofit health system with more than 135 clinics and 6,000 clinicians.
The combined organization will operate as HealthPartners and employ about 45,000 people. Essentia Health facilities will retain the Essentia name as operations are integrated. The transaction is expected to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, pending regulatory approvals.
