South Bend-based Beacon Health System has signed an agreement to acquire Ascension Healthcare System in southwest Michigan.
When the transaction closes this summer, Beacon Health System will own Ascension’s network of four hospitals, 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center.
“Expanding our reach deeper into southwest Michigan broadens access to high-quality, affordable care for communities served by Ascension, extends our service area and provides growth opportunity to further strengthen the health system,” said Kreg Gruber, Beacon Health System CEO, in a press release. “This acquisition will create a bright future for these communities by ensuring access to quality health care services for generations.”
Scott Cihak, Ascension Michigan chief operating officer, said the organizations are culturally well aligned.
“As a regional provider, Beacon Health System is positioned to serve patients through an integrated care delivery system to ensure that southwest Michigan has access to sustainable, quality health care long into the future,” Cihak said. “Our communities are in good hands.”
Beacon Health System serves patients across northern Indiana and southern Michigan. The health care network has 8,100 associates and over 1,000 physicians.
Ascension Health operates Ascension Borgess Hospital, Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital, Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital and Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital. The largest facility is Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo, a 422-bed acute care hospital. Founded over 135 years ago, the system has over 2,700 associates, including 261 providers.
