Healthcare mergers and acquisitions surged across the country in the second quarter of 2026, with hospital systems, surgery centers, and home-care providers striking deals worth billions of dollars.
FTC Oversight Shapes Major Surgery Center Deal
Ascension, a Catholic nonprofit health system, closed its $3.9 billion acquisition of AMSURG, an ambulatory surgery center services company, in June 2026. The transaction expanded Ascension’s network to 300 ambulatory surgery centers nationwide, according to a company statement.
To secure regulatory approval, the Federal Trade Commission required Ascension to divest seven AMSURG locations in Nashville, Tennessee; Panama City, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Waco, Texas; and Wichita, Kansas.
“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.
Ascension leaders emphasized the strategic value of the expansion.
“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,” said Eduardo Conrado, president and CEO of Ascension.
Atrium Health and WakeMed Agree to Historic Combination
In early May, Atrium Health and WakeMed, both based in North Carolina, announced an agreement to combine operations. The proposed deal includes a $2 billion investment in Wake County to redevelop the Raleigh Campus, expand Cary Hospital and North Hospital, and construct two new Healthplex locations.
The combination is expected to create 3,300 new jobs and establish the largest nonprofit mental health network in the state, according to a joint press release.
Earlier in the process, the University of North Carolina had submitted an offer valued at $5 billion in investments, but WakeMed ultimately chose to move forward with Atrium Health instead.
Allina Health, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit system, agreed to join California-based Sutter Health, with closing anticipated by year-end pending regulatory approval. The two systems signed a letter of intent in May.
The combined system plans to invest more than $2 billion in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Those funds will support new ambulatory care locations, artificial intelligence initiatives, and modernized scheduling systems.
Upon closing, Allina Health will become Sutter Health’s Upper Midwest Division while retaining 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,” said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health.
In May, Sanford Health and North Memorial Health, both Minnesota-based nonprofits, signed a definitive agreement to combine into a single health system by year-end.
The merged organization will invest $600 million in its Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals. Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen highlighted the focus on maintaining critical services.
“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,” Gassen said in a statement. He will serve as president and CEO of the combined system.
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“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 the home-care sector, Aveanna Healthcare Holdings acquired Family First Homecare, a pediatric provider with 27 locations across seven states, for $175.7 million. Aveanna CEO Jeff Shaner described the acquisition as a strategic fit that adds geographic density and reinforces the company’s mission.
“Adding to our care in key geographies brings us greater density in important states while reinforcing our strategic mission to deliver high-quality care,” Shaner said.
WVU Health System signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System in western Pennsylvania. The deal, expected to close in late September or early October 2026, includes $800 million in planned investments across Independence’s five hospitals for a new electronic health record system, facility upgrades, 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 WVU Health System.
Additional Transactions Expand Regional Networks
Lifepoint Health completed the acquisition of eight community hospitals from ScionHealth. The purchase included facilities across Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Idaho, and Wisconsin. ScionHealth cited its focus on specialty hospital services as the primary reason for the divestiture.
Witham Health Services signed a non-binding letter of intent to join Parkview Health, both Indiana-based systems. The agreement, expected to close by year-end, would extend Parkview’s reach into Boone County. Witham President and CEO Kelly Braverman emphasized alignment in values and patient experience as key factors in the decision.
Parkview Health was drawn to Witham’s reputation for quality and community service. The potential merger aims to expand services and enhance clinical capabilities in the region.
Specialty and Academic Integrations Broaden Care Access
Huntsville Hospital Health System acquired Crestwood Medical Center in Alabama from Community Health Systems for $459 million. The April transaction added a major acute care facility to Huntsville’s network, supporting expanded services in the growing Madison County region.
Orlando Health moved forward with its planned acquisition of RMC Health System in Anniston, Alabama. The deal includes a 375-bed medical center along with outpatient facilities and specialty practices. Completion is expected in fall 2026, followed by multi-year investments in technology and infrastructure.
Deaconess Associations acquired 31 home health and hospice locations from HCA Healthcare across eight states. The locations will be integrated into Deaconess subsidiary Central Pyramid. CEO Trey Crabb noted the acquisition deepens the organization’s geographic footprint and service capacity.
Baystate Health finalized an agreement to bring Mercy Medical Center in Massachusetts into its system. Trinity Health of New England cited financial pressures, including reimbursement challenges and staffing shortages, as factors leading to the transition. The move is intended to ensure continued access to high-quality care for local patients.
Prime Healthcare completed its acquisition of Franciscan Health Olympia Fields in Illinois, marking its 55th hospital. The 214-bed facility joined the system in May following state approval. The deal also incorporated Specialty Physicians of Illinois. Prime Healthcare pledged $5 million to support Franciscan’s medical education expansion.
CHRISTUS Health began operations at Titus Regional Medical Center in Texas, rebranding it as CHRISTUS Health – Mount Pleasant Hospital. A multispecialty clinic and emergency care center were also launched on the campus, expanding local access to care.
Monument Health integrated Rapid City Medical Center into its South Dakota system on May 1. CEO Jay Hammerquist noted the merger provides patients with greater resources and a deeper care network while maintaining familiar providers.
Wellstar Health System finalized its acquisition of Mountain Lakes Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Georgia. The transaction, closing August 1, connects the facility to Wellstar’s broader network of specialty resources and technology.
