The Nashville, Tenn. hospital company RCCH Healthcare Partners closed on a joint venture with SalineMemorialHospital in Benton, Ark., late last week, according to the Nashville Business Journal.
RCCH Healthcare is comprised of Regional Care Hospital Partners and Capella Healthcare, both based in Tenn. The deal is the first for RCCH, which officially formed in May, but CEO Mike Wiechart said in a statement that it certainly will not be the last.
"I think both legacy companies had developed a reputation of having very focused and disciplined growth," said Mr. Wiechart.
The merger was one of several major agreements this year, indicating that the industry's "merger mania" mentality remains strong. While some national and Nashville-centered companies have struggled in the integration phase following large settlements, the "homogenous nature" and similar cultures between Regional Care and Capella have smoothed the process.
"I wouldn't necessarily say this is surprising, I think it's noteworthy," Mr. Wiechart said. "The integration between these two companies has gone exceptionally well."