Mercy Hospital signs letter of intent to sell its facility to HCA

Today, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), together with Mercy Hospital, announced they had entered into a letter of intent for the sale of the hospital to HCA. Mercy's board of directors voted to sell the facility to HCA, citing the company's presence in South Florida and consistent provision of quality care.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to allow Mercy to be part of a larger presence in South Florida, while the mission of service to our patients continues”

"This is a wonderful opportunity to allow Mercy to be part of a larger presence in South Florida, while the mission of service to our patients continues," said Manuel P. Anton, III, M.D., President and CEO Mercy Hospital. "Although Mercy now will be part of HCA, it will continue to operate in a manner consistent with the designation as a Catholic hospital, such that the Archbishop of Miami will be able to endorse it as a Catholic Hospital, adhering to the principles of faith with which it has served the community since its founding. Our top priority as always is the care of patients. This will be a seamless process for patients, their families, our associates and physicians."

The facility, which operates 473 beds, has nearly a 60-year tradition of providing care to residents of Miami and Coral Gables. HCA's own 42-year history means the transaction brings together two long-term providers with an impressive track record of quality and compassion.

Michael G. Joseph, HCA East Florida Division President, said, "The acquisition of Mercy will nicely complement our existing presence in the area. With facilities in Aventura and Kendall, the addition of Mercy in Miami creates a corridor of care that enables us to better serve the community. We have long admired Mercy's proud history of quality, compassionate care, and look forward to welcoming it into the HCA network of hospitals."

Mercy Hospital will retain its name and will continue to serve as a Catholic acute care hospital, owned and operated by HCA. Pending execution of a definitive agreement and receiving customary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close as soon as possible.