Providence, R.I.-based Care New England and Boston-based Partners HealthCare agreed to enter into a definitive agreement to merge Jan. 25.
Officials from both organizations said in a joint statement the latest progress in their talks "marks an important milestone."
The health systems have engaged in exclusive discussions since last April, and later agreed to extend the talks through Jan. 31. Officials said the health systems will extend negotiations until a definitive agreement is formally in place, the Boston Globe reports.
Partners HealthCare President and CEO David Torchiana, MD, said in a statement the "lengthy discussions" between the two organizations "solidified [Partners'] interest" in Care New England.
The announcement comes roughly two weeks after Providence-based Brown University proposed an unsolicited joint bid with Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings to partner with Care New England.
Care New England said Thursday its "strong educational and research relationship [with Brown University] will continue to play a critical role in the healthcare landscape and its future development."
Editor's note: Becker's Hospital Review reached out to Care New England and Partners HealthCare for comment and will update the article as more information becomes available.