Either St. Louis-based SSM Health or the University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia have the option to terminate negotiations if they cannot reach a deal regarding the sale of two hospitals by Sept. 30, according to transaction documents obtained by ABC 17 News.
The television station submitted an open records request for documents regarding the sale to the health systems Aug. 22.
SSM Health signed letters of intent to sell three hospitals in Missouri last week. MU Health Care is in talks with the system to purchase two hospitals — St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City and St. Mary's Hospital in Mexico, Mo. — to MU Health Care.
Documents obtained by ABC 17 News related to the deal indicate SSM Health will provide MU Health Care with information on both hospitals and "related physician clinics, outpatient sites and home health operations."
Hospital officials said they expect negotiations to last several months.