Transactions & Valuation Issues

KPMG has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of healthcare consulting firm Beacon Partners.

Columbus, Ga.-based St. Francis Hospital  said it has started "exclusive discussions" with a subsidiary of Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, which could lead to a full or partial acquisition by CHS, according to a Ledger-Enquirer report.

In partnering with ASCs, both hospitals and physicians can gain efficiencies and improve their attractiveness to payers, third party administrators, IPAs and patients. While all parties stand to gain significant benefits from ASC joint ventures, some potential hazards exist.

UnitedHealth Group's Optum division has acquired MedExpress, an operator of urgent care clinics across the nation.

According a Sun-Sentinel article, Mednax acquired Texas Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants earlier this month.

In a recent Dayton Business Journal article, Cardinal Health was recognized for being a part of Forbes' new "America's Best Employers" list.

Maui Memorial Medical Center, a state-funded hospital, is involved in discussions with nonprofit system Hawaii Pacific Health in Honolulu about a possible partnership, according to KHON2.

Teton Medical Center in Choteau, Mont., is being sold to Great Falls, Mont.-based Benefis Health system for $500,000, and the deal is scheduled to close April 30, according to a Choteau Acantha report.

Stanford (Calif.) Health Care has received approval from California Attorney General Kamala Harris to move forward with its acquisition of Pleasanton, Calif.-based ValleyCare Health System, according to a Pleasanton Weekly report.

Boston Medical Center, the largest safety-net hospital in Massachusetts, and Tufts Medical Center in Boston are involved in merger negotiations and are working to have the deal completed by the end of 2015, according to a Boston Globereport.