Mergers and Acquisitions: An Overview of Notable Healthcare M&A Activity in 2026

Here is some of the notable M&A activity that occurred among healthcare providers in Q2 2026:

Ascension and AMSURG

Ascension, a Catholic nonprofit health system completed its $3.9 billion acquisition of AMSURG, an ambulatory surgery center services company, in June. To complete the transaction, the Federal Trade Commission required that Ascension divest seven AMSURG locations in Nashville, Tenn.; Panama City, Fla.; Tulsa, Okla.; Waco, Texas; and Wichita, Kan.

“The FTC’s action ordering divestitures of surgical care centers will help preserve a competitive market that will allow patients to get the care they need at a fair price,” said Daniel Guarnera, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition.

According to a statement, the deal expands Ascension’s network to 300 ambulatory surgery centers nationwide.

“By expanding our ambulatory surgery capabilities, we are making care more accessible, convenient, and affordable for patients, while ensuring our hospitals remain focused on highly specialized acute care. Together, we are building a more integrated, future-ready health system,” said Eduardo Conrado, president and CEO of Ascension.

Atrium Health and WakeMed

In early May, North Carolina–based health systems Atrium Health and WakeMed announced an agreement to combine. According to a press release, the deal would include a $2 billion investment in Wake County to redevelop the Raleigh Campus, expand Cary Hospital and North Hospital, and construct two new Healthplex locations. In addition, the combination will create 3,300 new jobs, expand healthcare service and form the largest nonprofit mental health network in the state.

According to an article from The Assembly, UNC sent an offer than included $5 billion in investments. WakeMed rejected it in favor of the Atrium Health.

Sutter Health and Allina Health

Allina Health, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit health system, will join Sutter Health, a California-based system, with closing anticipated by the end of the year pending regulatory approval. The systems signed a letter of intent in May.

As a result of the deal, the combined health system will invest more than $2 billion in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, according to a press release. That investment will include the establishment of new ambulatory care locations, artificial intelligence initiatives and modernized scheduling.

Upon closing, Allina Health will become Sutter Health’s Upper Midwest Division while maintaining its name, brand and Minneapolis headquarters.

“When Allina Health joins Sutter Health, we look forward to making significant investments that improve care access and patient experience in Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. This includes establishing new ambulatory and specialty care sites to fill care gaps and meet growing community needs, as well as recruiting more physicians and enhancing AI and digital health capabilities,” said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health, who will continue to lead the combined system.

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Sanford Health and North Memorial Health

Sanford Health plans to combine with North Memorial Health, a nonprofit health system based in Minnesota, creating a single nonprofit health system before the end of the year. The two organizations signed a definitive agreement in May.

The combined system will invest $600 million in its Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals in Minnesota.

“Guided by our charitable mission, we are committed to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the region — including sustaining Robbinsdale Hospital as a critical safety-net provider of Level 1 trauma and emergency services and investing in expanded capacity and outpatient care at Maple Grove Hospital to meet rising demand in one of the metro’s fastest-growing communities. Our approach is to partner with local leaders, understand community needs and invest for the long term,” said Bill Gassen, president and SEO of Sanford Health in a statement.

Gassen will operate as president and CEO of the combined organization.

CommonSpirit and UPMC

In May, CommonSpirit signed a definitive agreement to sell Ohio-based Trinity Health System to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The transaction is expected to be completed in fall 2026 pending regulatory review.

“Trinity Health System and UPMC share a commitment to providing top-tier care and serving the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Dwayne Richardson, interim market president of Trinity Health System in a statement. “UPMC's proven track record of community service and compassionate approach to care were key factors in our decision, and will significantly benefit our patients.”

Aveanna Healthcare Holdings and Family First Homecare

Aveanna Healthcare Holdings, a home healthcare company, has acquired Family First Homecare, a pediatric home-care provider with 27 locations in seven states, for $175.7 million.

“Family First Homecare is a perfect fit for us. The Family First team is committed to delivering high-quality and patient-centered clinical care that produces exceptional outcomes for patients and families,” said Jeff Shaner, CEO of Aveanna, in a press release. “Adding to our care in key geographies brings us greater density in important states while reinforcing our strategic mission to deliver high-quality care. We’re excited to complete this transaction and continue our story of growth and exceptional care together.”

WVU Health System and Independence Health System

The West Virginia University Health System has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System, located in western Pennsylvania. The deal is expected to close in late September or early October 2026 and includes $800 million in planned investments across Independence Health System’s five hospitals, according to a press release. The investments will be focused on a new electronic health record system, facility upgrades and expansions and enhanced clinical capabilities.

“This partnership is about preserving and expanding access to high-quality healthcare close to home,” said Albert L. Wright Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System. “By bringing our organizations together, we can strengthen services throughout southwestern Pennsylvania while enhancing opportunities for clinical collaboration, recruitment, research, education, and specialty care access.”

Lifepoint Health and ScionHealth

Lifepoint Health has acquired eight community hospitals from ScionHealth. In a press release, ScionHealth cites its desire to concentrate on specialty hospital services as a major driver of the decision.

The hospitals include Bolivar Medical Center (Cleveland, Miss.), Ennis Regional Medical Center (Ennis, Texas), Livingston Regional Hospital (Livingston, Tenn.), Logan Regional Medical Center (Logan, W.Va.), Palestine Regional Medical Center (Palestine, Texas), Parkview Regional Hospital (Mexia, Texas), St. Joseph Regional Medical Center (Lewiston, Idaho) and Watertown Regional Medical Center (Watertown, Wis.).

Parkview Health and Witham Health Services

Witham Health Services has signed a non-binder letter of intent to join Parkview Health, both located in Indiana, by the end of the year.

“It was important to choose a system that shares our values and our mission to improve the health of our community. We wanted a leader in quality, and we’ve found that at Parkview,” said Kelly Braverman, Witham president and CEO in a press release. “We are also impressed by Parkview’s nationally recognized patient experience and workplace culture and are excited about the potential to expand services, enhance clinical capabilities, and improve access for patients in and around Boone County.” 

Huntsville Hospital Health System and Community Health Systems

In April, Community Health Systems divested Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville, Ala., to Huntsville Hospital Health System for $459 million, according to a press release.

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Orlando Health and RMC Health System

On April 8, Orlando Health announced plans to acquire RMC Health System, located in Anniston, Ala., which includes a 375-bed medical center, outpatient facilities and specialty practices. The transaction is expected to be completed in fall 2026. Orlando Health plans to invest significant resources, including a new electronic health records system, into RMC over the next five years, according to a statement.

“RMC is an important addition to Orlando Health’s growing presence in Alabama and strengthens our ability to serve patients across the region,” said Thibaut van Marcke, senior vice president of Orlando Health, Alabama Region. “By bringing RMC into the Orlando Health system, we can expand services and collaborate with physicians and team members to enhance access to high-quality care for communities throughout Northeast Alabama.”

Deaconess Associations and HCA Healthcare

Deaconess Associations will acquire 31 home health and hospice locations in eight states from HCA Healthcare, according to a press release. The organizations will join Deaconess subsidiary Central Pyramid.

“This agreement allows us to deepen our current presence and expand our geographic reach through established home health and hospice agencies that align with our mission and long-term strategy,” said Trey Crabb, CEO of Deaconess Associations.

Baystate Health and Trinity Health of New England

Baystate Health and Trinity Health of New England signed a definitive agreement at the end of April to have Mercy Medical Center, located in Massachusetts, join Baystate Health.

According to a press release, “Like many other health care providers, Mercy has faced significant challenges and financial pressures that threatened its long-term viability.”

Inadequate care reimbursement, declining payment rates and staffing shortages contributed to the move.

“Our decision to transition Mercy to Baystate Health reflects our shared aim to ensuring that patients continue to have access to high-quality care. We are confident that Baystate Health will honor Mercy’s legacy and strengthen its ability to meet the evolving needs of the community,” said Montez Carter, president and CEO of Trinity Health of New England.

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Prime Healthcare and Franciscan Health Olympia Fields

In April, Prime Healthcare announced that it has received approval from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to acquire 214-bed Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, located in Olympia Fields, Ill. The deal closed in May, making the newly branded Olympia Fields Hospital Prime Healthcare’s 55th hospital, according to a statement. It also included the addition of Specialty Physicians of Illinois to the health system.

Prime Healthcare also plans to contribute $5 million to Franciscan’s medical education expansion initiative.

CHRISTUS Health and Titus Regional Medical Center

In May, CHRISTUS Health, a nonprofit health system in Texas, began operations at Titus Regional Medical Center. The hospital is now called CHRISTUS Health – Mount Pleasant Hospital. According to a statement, the health system also opened the CHRISTUS Health Mount Pleasant Emergency Care Center, which includes a multispecialty clinic.

Monument Health and Rapid City Medical Center

Monument Health, based in Rapid City, S.D., added Rapid City Medical Center to its health system on May 1.

“Joining Monument Health means our patients will have access to even greater resources and a deeper network of care, while continuing to see the providers they know and trust right here at home,” said Jay Hammerquist, Rapid City Medical Center CEO, in a press release.

Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center

Wellstar Health System, a nonprofit system in the Metro Atlanta area, has finalized an agreement to acquire Mountain Lakes Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Clayton, Ga. The transaction was expected to close on Aug. 1.

“We believe joining Wellstar creates exciting opportunities to build on that success while connecting our patients and clinicians to additional expertise, technology, specialty resources and healthcare capabilities that can help support the future of healthcare in northeast Georgia,” said Mountain Lakes Medical Center CEO Kristy Hall in a press release.

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Freeman Health System and Northwest Health

Freeman Health System, with locations in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas, completed its acquisition of Northwest Health, located in Northwest Arkansas, from a Community Health Systems subsidiary, according to a statement.

The deal includes four medical centers as well as several outpatient centers and physician practices. Long-term goals include increased access to behavioral healthcare and maternal care as well as the expansion of specialty care services such as cardiology, oncology and orthopedics.

UNC Health and Onslow Memorial Hospital

Onslow Memorial Hospital, located in Jacksonville, N.C., will integrate with UNC Health in a three-stage plan over the next four years. UNC Health plans to invest more than $150 million to modernize technology and infrastructure, according to a press release. The integration will give Onslow Memorial Health patients access to enhanced care with improved, systemwide connectivity.

According to an article from WITN, the first stage of the plan was effective July 1 when UNC Health acquired a 30% membership interest in the hospital. In the second stage, UNC Health’s membership interest will increase to 49%. In the final stage, targeted for 2029, UNC Health will be the sole member of Onslow Memorial Hospital.

East Alabama Health and Bullock County Rural Emergency Hospital

On June 1, East Alabama Health announced that it would be stepping in to operate and manage Bullock County Rural Emergency Hospital, located in Union Springs, Ala., following the departure of its previous operator. East Alabama Health moved quickly to ensure “the continued availability of critical health care services for residents in and around Bullock County,” according to a statement.

“Our focus is on stabilizing operations, strengthening local access to care and building a sustainable model that allows Bullock County residents to receive high-quality care close to home. We are committed to working alongside local leadership, providers and the community to support the hospital’s long-term success,” said Joseph Marchant, executive vice president and chief integration and network development officer at East Alabama Health.

Baptist Memorial Health Care and Merit Health Rankin

Baptist Memorial Health Care, based in Memphis, Tenn., is taking on the lease for Merit Health Rankin, a hospital located in Brandon, Miss., sometime in the second half of 2026. According to a press release, Baptist Memorial plans to invest $70 million in the 134-bed hospital to enhance services.

Quorum Health and Banner Lassen Medical Center

Quorum Health has signed an asset purchase agreement to take over Banner Lassen Medical Center, located in Susanville, Calif., from Banner Health. The transaction will be completed in December, pending regulatory approvals. At that time, the medical center will become a nonprofit entity.

“An organization with experience operating rural health care within California and a dedication to supporting local teams is the ideal partner to serve this community's health care needs while preserving access to care close to home,” said Margo Karsten, the senior vice president of acute care deliver for Banner Health’s Western Division, in a press release.

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Novant Health and Community Hospital of Stokes

Novant Health has taken over operation of Community Hospital of Stokes, a 53-bed critical access hospital in Danbury, N.C. According to a press release, the Stokes County Board of Commissioners began a search for “a new healthcare partner to purchase or lease and operate the county-owned hospital.” Novant was selected in March 2026 and took over the hospital on June 1.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Encore Medical Center

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences will lease and operate Encore Medical Center, a 53-bed hospital in Bryant, Ark. The hospital, which is currently operated by Arkansas Heart Hospital, will officially be under UAMS’s operational authority on Oct. 1, according to a press release.

Arkansas Heart Hospital opened the location in 2021 to offer bariatric weight loss surgery and care for peripheral vascular disease. Encore Medical Center includes emergency services and inpatient care while also offering intensive care, surgical, imaging and laboratory services.

“Our goal is a seamless transition for Saline County,” said Dr. C. Lowry Barnes, chancellor for UAMS. “The team currently at Encore Medical Center is experienced and dedicated, and we look forward to working closely with them during this transition.”

Baptist Health and South Arkansas Regional Hospital

South Arkansas Regional Hospital of El Dorado, Ark., formally joined Arkansas-based health system Baptist Health on June 15. The 151-bed hospital will now operate as Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado.

Hackensack Meridian Health and Hunterdon Health

Hackensack Meridian Health and Hunterdon Health may be headed toward partnership. The two New Jersey-based organizations signed a letter of intent in June, explaining in a press release that the proposed partnership would enhance patient care, expand services and accelerate innovation.

According to the statement, “United by a shared commitment to transforming health care, Hackensack Meridian Health and Hunterdon Health will use their shared resources, expertise, and advanced technologies to expand and support a comprehensive health care delivery system focused on health outcomes, investment in clinical research, academic and community benefit programs, and quality care that is human-centered, accessible, and affordable.”

Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center and NorthBay Health

Providence will transfer ownership of Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, Calif., to NorthBay Health based on a definitive agreement signed in April. As part of the deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year, NorthBay Health will invest in clinical services and community benefit programs, according to a press release.

“This agreement represents an important step toward expanding access, strengthening clinical services, and ensuring more people in the region benefit from high-quality, locally connected care,” said Mark Behl, president and CEO of NorthBay Health.

Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee

In April, the City of Tallahassee completed the transfer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to FSU Health, Florida State University’s academic health system.

According to a press release, the deal will expand medical education in addition to strengthening clinical care and medical research.

Parkview Health and Goshen Health

Indiana-based health systems Parkview Health and Goshen Health announced in June that they’ve signed an affiliation agreement to strengthen local healthcare access and expand services in Elkhart County, Ind., according to a press release. The organizations expect to finalize the affiliation in fall 2026 pending regulatory review.

“This is about growing and expanding our clinical capabilities to meet the healthcare needs of the region for the future,” said Randy Christophel, president CEO of Goshen Health.

Fairfield Medical Center and Adena Health

In June, Fairfield Medical Center, based in Lancaster, Ohio, and Adena Health, based in Chillicothe, Ohio, signed a nonbinding letter of intent to explore a formal partnership. The two nonprofit health systems announced that they will begin the due diligence process to evaluate compatibility. The goal of a partnership would be to expand services and strengthen access to high-quality care in the region. The organizations are still operating independently amid the review.

Ellis Medicine and St. Peter’s Health Partners

Two New York-based health systems, Ellis Medicine and St. Peter’s Health Partners, announced in June that they have agreed to discontinue exploration of a potential integration, concluding their management services agreement and professional services agreement, according to a press release. The original letter of intent was signed in 2020.

Ellis Medicine requested a proposal to re-evaluate the market due to changes in the healthcare industry since the letter of intent was signed, and St. Peter’s Health Partners declined.

“Our partnership with Ellis Medicine produced significant, measurable progress in a challenging healthcare environment,” said Dr. Steven Hanks, president and CEO of St. Peter’s Health Partners. “Together, we enhanced quality outcomes, strengthened core service lines, and helped restore financial stability. We are proud of the role our teams played in supporting Ellis and the Schenectady community. As we move forward, SPHP will continue to focus on strategic investments that expand access, improve patient experience, and meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”

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Here is some of the notable M&A activity that occurred among healthcare providers in Q1 2026:

Premise Health and Crossover Health

Premise Health completed its merger with Crossover Health in March. According to a press release, the combined organization will operate nearly 900 wellness centers across 47 states and Guam. The organization offers advanced primary care and occupational health services in addition to alternative payment models.

Centurion Foundation and Prospect Medical Holdings

In March, the Centurion Foundation completed its acquisition of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, both located in Rhode Island, from Prospect Medical Holdings, which declared bankruptcy in January 2025. The deal was backed by the sponsorship of the Rhode Island Health and Education Building Corp., which raised $101 million, according to a press release.

CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island was created to provide local management and governance for the two hospitals.

“It has been an arduous journey to secure the future of these essential hospitals, their employees and physicians, and the patients who rely on them,” said Centurion Foundation CEO Ben Mingle. “This moment would not have been possible without the state’s approval and strong backing from Gov. McKee, Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Lawson, Attorney General Neronha and members of the General Assembly. Our journey is far from over, but our acquisition is a new beginning for these valued institutions, one that is free from private equity influence and that is a strong foundation to continue a tradition of health care excellence and community focus.”

MUSC Health and Palmetto Primary Care Physicians

MUSC Health purchased Palmetto Primary Care Physicians, located in Charleston, S.C., for $111 million in early March. As part of the deal, PPCP will become a nonprofit entity.

“South Carolina faces a significant shortage of primary care physicians, and strengthening access to high‑quality, community‑based primary care is essential to MUSC Health’s mission,” said CEO Dr. Patrick J. Cawley, in a statement.

CommonSpirit Health and Altru Health System

The two organizations signed a letter of intent in January for a deal that would add three North Dakota-based hospitals in the former Catholic Health Initiatives system — CHI St. Alexius Health, CHI St. Alexius Health Turtle Lake and CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison — to Altru Health System’s portfolio.

“We look forward to working more closely with CommonSpirit to strengthen access to care for patients and families well into the future,” said Todd Forkel, Altru CEO, in a statement.

Shannon Health System and Quorum Health

Shannon Health System kicked off the year by announcing a plan to acquire Scenic Mountain Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas, from Quorum Health. According to a press release, this will be Shannon’s second recent acquisition in the area.

The deal will lead to an increase in primary care and specialty care space. The hospital will now be known as Shannon Medical Center Big Spring.

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Community Health Systems and Tenor Health Foundation

Community Health Systems completed the divestiture of two hospitals located in Scranton, Pa., and one located in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to nonprofit Tenor Health Foundation for $33 million in cash plus a $15 promissory note, according to a press release.

Tenor Health Foundation took over ownership of Regional Hospital of Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital on Feb. 1.

Prime Healthcare Foundation and Central Maine Healthcare

Central Maine Healthcare joined nonprofit Prime Healthcare Foundation in February. The deal includes Central Maine Medical Center, Bridgton Hospital, Rumford Hospital, Rumford Community Home, Bolster Heights, Maine College of Health Professions, CMH Cancer Care Center, and more than 40 physician practices, according to a statement.

The hospitals and additional locations will all retain their current names and local leadership. Prime Healthcare Foundation plans to invest $150 million over the next five years.

RWJBarnabas Health and Englewood Health

New Jersey-based Englewood Health has signed a definitive agreement to join RWJBarnabas Health. The deal includes Englewood Hospital in Englewood, N.J.

“This transaction will ensure Englewood Health’s ability to deliver world-class care to the communities we serve in a broader way, with greater resources and more cutting-edge technologies,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health, in a statement.

Henry Ford Health and Trillium Health Care Management

In February, Henry Ford Health announced that it will transfer Madison Heights hospital in Madison Heights, Mich., to Trillium Health Care Management. According to a press release, Trillium plans to transform the location into an inpatient behavioral health center while Henry Ford Health will operate Madison Heights’ emergency department as a stand-alone site. Remaining inpatient and surgical services will be moved to Henry Ford Warren Hospital.

“This investment allows us to add much-needed inpatient beds now, with plans to grow to more than 100 inpatient beds in the near future,” said Aaryn Ebner, chief administrative officer at Trillium. “Alongside a fully renovated facility, we’re also developing partial-day and outpatient mental health programs to strengthen the full continuum of behavioral healthcare, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, high-quality care at every stage of treatment.”

Vanderbilt Health and Community Health Systems

In February, Vanderbilt Health acquired Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville Hospital in Clarksville, Tenn., from Community Health Systems. The deal also includes Tennova ER-Sango, a freestanding emergency room, in addition to physician clinics and outpatient services. Vanderbilt Health had a 20% stake in the 270-bed hospital starting in 2021, according to a press release.

The hospital will now be known as Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital.

Carson Valley Health and Barton Health

After 25 years of joint ownership between Barton Health and Renown Health, Barton Health is now the sole governing member for Carson Valley Health in Carson Valley, Nev. The two organizations will remain separate entities according to a statement.