SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — Sanford Health is moving forward with a possible merger with a Wisconsin-based health system.
In July, Sanford and Marshfield Clinic Health System announced their intention to merge. On Wednesday, Sanford announced the two groups signed a “an affiliation agreement to combine their complementary assets and capabilities,” according to a news release.
“In Sanford Health we found a partner that closely aligns with our culture, mission, and values, and we look forward to continuing on this journey as the premier rural health system in the United States,” said Brian Hoerneman, M.D., interim CEO of Marshfield Clinic Health System said in the release.
“This significant milestone means we are one step closer to bringing together our nonprofit, community-focused health care organizations,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health in a news release.
The combination is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to regulatory processes and closing conditions. Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System remain two separate, independent organizations until the closing.
In January, a possible merger between Marshfield Clinic Healthy Systems and Minnesota-based Essentia Health ended.
In July 2023, Sanford Health ended merger talks with Fairview Health System.
Merger discussions between the health systems started for a second time in November 2022. The two health systems also explored a possible merger in 2013.
Gassen said in July 2023 merger talks did not have support from “certain Minnesota stakeholders.”
