U.S. Renal Care, DSI Renal sign definitive merger agreement

U.S. Renal Care, Inc. (USRC) and DSI Renal (DSI) announced Monday they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. USRC is the third largest dialysis provider in the country, and when combined with DSI, the company will serve approximately 23,000 patients across 33 states and the Territory of Guam.

"When you combine two organizations that put people first and share a commitment to providing exceptional care day in and day out, patients win. And that's the way it should be," said Chris Brengard, Chief Executive Officer at USRC. "DSI's coordinated and compassionate approach to care aligns with our philosophy of treating the whole person. In addition, DSI and USRC share the same commitment to establishing and enhancing unique physician partnerships that ensure excellent clinical and operational management. We have a great deal of respect for the DSI organization, and we look forward to harnessing our shared values to enhance the quality of life for people all over the country."

The merger is expected to close by the end of Q4 2015. Once complete, USRC will operate nearly 300 state-of-the-art outpatient clinics, 142 home dialysis programs and 26 acute care hospital contracts throughout the country.

"We have long shared U.S. Renal's focus on strong physician partnerships placing quality above all else," said Craig Goguen, President and Chief Executive Officer of DSI Renal. "This merger is important because it will generate significant efficiencies, which will lower the cost of providing dialysis, while expanding access to the highest standards of care for the diverse communities we serve."

Currently, Plano, Texas-based USRC operates 198 facilities in 20 states and the Territory of Guam. With headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, DSI currently operates 100 facilities in 22 states. Moving forward, USRC's headquarters will remain in Plano, and DSI's Nashville office will operate as a USRC business office and corporate support center.

This merger is subject to regulatory and certificate of need approval in certain states. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

SOURCE U.S. Renal Care, Inc.