The proposed merger between St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center and Missouri for profit hospital operator Ascension Health Care Network is dead, authorities say.
The two hospital organizations signed a letter of intent to merge in January, but were unable to reach a final parternship agreement, the Hartford Business Journal has learned.
St. Francis Hospital officials declined to say why the deal faltered.
In a written statement St. Francis CEO and President Christopher Dadlez said the hospital will continue to operate as an independent entity.
Ascension Health Care did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
As part of the preliminary agreement earlier this year, St. Francis Hospital, the nonprofit care provider, agreed to become part of St. Louis’ Ascension Health Care Network, an affiliate of the largest not for profit Catholic health system in the nation.
