Pittsburgh-based UPMC is still in the running to be New Castle, Pa.-based Jameson Health System's strategic partner, according to Jameson officials.
Here are five things to know about Jameson's search.
1. Jameson recently issued requests for proposals to a wide range of potential partners as requested by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office recommended Jameson look for other buyers before inking a previously announced deal with UPMC due to the potential antitrust issues associated with the transaction.
2. The health system ultimately received three new bids, in addition to the previous offer from UPMC, which has reaffirmed its proposal to merge with Jameson and has agreed to extend its offer through Dec. 31.
3. The health system's board assessed the three bids and weighed the pros and cons of each offer, Jameson officials said. However, at this time, Jameson officials said board members "do not feel that any of the three bids received currently meet the complete criteria needed to provide Lawrence County the services and support it needs."
4. The proposals from all parties were presented to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, and the office is encouraging Jameson to consider these partners, health system officials said. Therefore, they said, Jameson is returning to bidders and discussing ways the health system may be able to work through the issues in their proposals and arrive at a solution "that will position Jameson for long-term success."
5. Still, Jameson officials said they continue to believe a deal with UPMC is the best option.
6. Jameson anticipates it will announce a strategic partner decision soon.
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