Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson has launched an antitrust review of St. Cloud (Minn.) Medical Group's proposed merger with St. Cloud-based CentraCare, according to the Star Tribune.
St. Cloud Medical Group officials said the transaction makes sense because CentraCare operates the only hospital in St. Cloud. However, Ms. Swanson is concerned about the impact on competition.
"Our review to date has identified concerns about the adverse impact of the acquisition on competition in the primary care market in central Minnesota," Ms. Swanson said, according to the report.
Ms. Swanson has asked the organizations to push back the closing date for the transaction until late April. In a statement, CentraCare said a definite closing date for the transaction has not been set.
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