U.S. Northern District Judge Jorge Alonso granted an injunction request from the Federal Trade Commission Friday, pausing Downers Grove, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care and Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University HealthSystem's merger plans.
The two Chicagoland health systems wanted to finalize the merger by July 1. However, in a joint statement, Advocate and NorthShore representatives said the judge's decision to pause the deal during the appeals process was expected. "We remain confident that our merger is in the best interest of consumers," health system representatives said, according to Crain's Chicago Business.
The FTC and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan appealed Judge Alonso's decision that denied the government's request to block the Advocate-NorthShore merger. In a brief order issued June 14, Judge Alonso said the government did not provide enough evidence that the partnership would harm competition in the region.
Regarding the judge's decision to halt the merger until the appeals court hears the case, an FTC spokeswoman said the commission was pleased and looks forward to proving its case on appeal, according to Crain's.
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