N.C. hospital draws interest from CHS, LifePoint, Capella
Three local hospital companies are reported to be shopping a county-owned hospital in North Carolina.
Community Health Systems Inc., LifePoint Hospitals Inc. and Capella Healthcare all sent representatives to tour Beaufort County Medical Center in Washington, N.C., within the last month, according to the Washington Daily News.
None of the companies have submitted formal proposals, the report states. The deadline for responses is Saturday. University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina, a not-for-profit health system affiliated with Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, has also toured the hospital, according to the report.
All three hospital companies declined to comment on the report, citing policies of not discussing acquisition strategies until an agreement is signed. CHS spokeswoman Tomi Galin said in an email that “the pipeline remains active, and … we continue to see good opportunities.”
Beaufort County Medical Center is part of Beaufort Regional Health System. According to a request for proposal on the health system’s website, the system posted a $3.8 million loss for the three-year, seven-month period ending April 30.
The 142-bed hospital employs more than 50 physicians representing more than 20 specialities, as well as 700 nurses, technicians and support staff, the RFP states.
Nashville-based hospital companies have been on the hunt in recent months.
On Wednesday, Brentwood-based LifePoint completed its previously announced acquisition of Sumner Regional Health Systems for $145 million plus working capital. In July, Franklin-based CHS purchased Marion Regional Healthcare System in South Carolina for $25.7 million and is awaiting approval from the Ohio Attorney General to buy Forum Health, a three-hospital system in Youngstown, for $120 million.
Brentwood-based Capella currently operates 13 hospitals in seven states and in June secured $600 million in unsecured notes and a revolving credit facility to fund future growth.
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