Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based SoutheastHealth has signed a definitive agreement to join St. Louis-based Mercy, a 42-hospital system.
"Bringing the two health systems together will create a regional hub for offering expanded access to healthcare services in Southeast Missouri and the greater region Mercy serves," SoutheastHealth President and CEO Ken Bateman said in an Aug. 1 news release.
Mr. Bateman cited the strengths that Mercy — with $8 billion in operating revenue — brings to SoutheastHealth, including increased patient access, top-quality care, a sophisticated operating model, lower cost of capital and substantial clinical benefits.
The transaction is subject to regulatory and other third-party approvals.