In a deal which should create the nation's largest publicly-traded hospital operator, Community Health Systems has agreed to buy Triad Hospitals for about $6.8 billion, including $5.1 billion upfront and the assumption of $1.7 billion in debt. HCA used to be the nation's top publicly-held hospital firm, but it was taken private [1] in a $33 billion leveraged buyout last year. In agreeing to the Community Health acquisition, Triad paid out a $20 million termination fee to CCMP Capital and GS Capital, since the agreement canceled an existing buyout deal.

When finalized, the acquisition will create a $9.9 billion company with 130 hospitals in 28 states, including Community Health's 77 existing hospitals. Community Health is financing the buyout with $10.3 billion in debt financing. Once they begin working together, the companies expect to achieve operating efficiencies of $40 million to $50 million, according to Community Health CFO Larry Cash.

To learn more about the deal:
- read this Nashville Business Journal piece [2]
- and see this Wall Street Journal article [3] (sub. req.)

ALSO: At Hospital Impact, Tony Chen offers his take on the dimensions and consequences of the CHS/Triad merger. Blog [4]

Related Articles:
$33 billion HCA sale approved by shareholders. Report [5]
Community Health becomes second largest for-profit hospital chain. Report [6]