Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica Health System has appealed the ruling that blocked its acquisition of Maumee, Ohio-based St. Luke's Hospital to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In late December 2014, ProMedica filed a petition with the Supreme Court asking for review of the case.
ProMedica and St. Luke's merged in August 2010. After the merger, ProMedica became Lucas County, Ohio's dominant hospital provider controlling more than 50 percent of the market for primary and secondary services and more than 80 percent of the market for obstetrical services.
Five months after the ProMedica and St. Luke's merger, the FTC challenged it. Subsequently, an administrative law judge and later the FTC concluded the merger would adversely affect competition in Lucas County. As a result, the FTC ordered ProMedica to divest St. Luke's, as it concluded divestiture would be the best means to preserve competition.
ProMedica's appeal to the Supreme Court comes after the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati upheld the FTC's order.
Concerning the appeal to the Supreme Court, ProMedica released a statement saying, "Throughout this legal process we have been steadfast in our belief that the joinder between ProMedica and St. Luke's has been the right thing to do for our community. We have been and remain committed to St. Luke's Hospital and are hoping for the opportunity to present our case to the U.S. Supreme Court."
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