Chicago-based Simplex Trading purchased an additional 64,958 shares in Franklin, Tenn.-based hospital operator Community Health Systems, according to Trade Calls.
According to the disclosure report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Oct. 7, Simplex now owns a total of 74,435 shares in CHS, valued at $791,988.
The purchase comes after news that Chinese billionaire Tianqiao Chen, owner of Shanghai, China-based Shanda Asset Management Holding, increased his stake in CHS earlier this month. Mr. Chen released a statement saying the investment in no way reflects a desire to control CHS.
CHS issued a "poison pill" preventing any single shareholder from buying a controlling block of the company before CHS officials are able to fully review their options. Last month, the hospital operator declared its intent to explore financial alternatives after disclosing the company's growing financial troubles.