Hennepin Healthcare and North Memorial Hospital, both based in Minneapolis, have entered into talks that could lead to a partnership or full merger, according to the Star Tribune.
The discussions are preliminary and both parties are drafting a letter of intent to negotiate. A merger could financially strengthen Hennepin Healthcare while giving North Memorial access to Hennepin's specialists.
"Evaluating partnerships that can strengthen our offerings to our community is one way to provide greater access to care," North Memorial officials said in a statement.
Hennepin officials said the talks started six months ago, and are not related to the recent resignation of Hennepin CEO Jon Pryor, MD.
"Our goal in any collaborative or partnership will be to create a sustainable economic model so that we are able to continue to provide the highest quality care to our community," Hennepin Healthcare said in a statement.
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