Peoria, Ill.-based OSF Healthcare and Rockford (Ill.) Health executives plan to contest the FTC's decision that an acquisition between the systems will reduce competition, according to a Rockford Register Star report.
OSF announced plans to acquire Rockford Health last year to create a new entity called OSF Northern Region. In March, the FTC issued an additional request for more information on the proposed transaction. Last week, the systems learned the FTC believes the consolidation will decrease competition in the Rockford area.
The systems' plans to challenge the FTC's ruling may take up to two years or more, according to the report. A federal hearing is scheduled for April 17.
In the report, Gary Kaatz, president and CEO of Rockford Health, said the affiliation is "pro-competitive" and will allow OSF and Rockford to better compete "more effectively and more efficiently" with SwedishAmerican Health System, Rockford's current competitor.
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OSF announced plans to acquire Rockford Health last year to create a new entity called OSF Northern Region. In March, the FTC issued an additional request for more information on the proposed transaction. Last week, the systems learned the FTC believes the consolidation will decrease competition in the Rockford area.
The systems' plans to challenge the FTC's ruling may take up to two years or more, according to the report. A federal hearing is scheduled for April 17.
In the report, Gary Kaatz, president and CEO of Rockford Health, said the affiliation is "pro-competitive" and will allow OSF and Rockford to better compete "more effectively and more efficiently" with SwedishAmerican Health System, Rockford's current competitor.
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