SIOUX FALLS, S.D. 鈥� Sanford Health is making another play for a merger, less than a year after stepping back from its previous attempt.
The Sioux Falls-based system, described as the largest rural health system in the U.S., has announced plans to merge with Marshfield Clinic Health System, serving rural Wisconsin and Michigan鈥檚 Upper Peninsula, Sanford said in a news release.
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If approved, the combined system will join nearly 56,000 employees, 56 hospitals and 271 clinics.
The merger of the two nonprofit systems is expected to close by year鈥檚 end, subject to regulatory approval.
Sanford Health said there are no immediate changes for employees or for those each system serves, the release said.
鈥淲e are excited to combine our common purpose to lead the way for the future, drive innovation and solve the most pressing challenges facing rural health care,鈥� Sanford President and CEO Bill Gassen said in the release.
Dr. Brian Hoerneman, interim CEO of Marshfield Clinic Health System, said the partnership presents an incredible opportunity.
鈥淭ogether, we will ensure sustainable access to exceptional care for our communities for years to come,鈥� Hoerneman said in the release.
If the combination is approved, the name of the parent company will be Sanford Health, with system headquarters in Sioux Falls.
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Marshfield Clinic Health System will be a region within Sanford Health and maintain regional leadership with its flagship campus in Marshfield, Wisconsin, a regional board of directors, a regional physician executive council and regional brand presence.
As for overall leadership, Gassen will serve as president and CEO of the combined system and Hoerneman will serve as president and CEO of the Marshfield Clinic Health System region, the release said.
when Sanford and Minnesota-based Fairview Health Services announced they were ending those efforts.
At the time, Gassen said Sanford Health determined it was in the system鈥檚 best interest to discontinue the merger process because the transaction lacked support 鈥渇rom certain Minnesota stakeholders."
The Minnesota Nurses Association also reported the proposed $11.7 billion Sanford and Fairview merger
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