Ascension Seals AmSurg Deal Amidst Antitrust Probe

Ascension has successfully completed its $3.9 billion acquisition of AmSurg, days after resolving concerns with federal antitrust regulators. The Federal Trade Commission stipulated that Ascension must divest seven AmSurg facilities situated in markets where both entities overlap. Ascension agreed to this condition, expressing satisfaction with moving forward.

The acquisition aligns with Ascension's strategic emphasis on outpatient growth. Previously, AmSurg was part of Envision Healthcare, a physician staffing firm. The deal, initially expected to close late last year, was delayed due to regulatory review. Concerns about potential healthcare price increases prompted the FTC's requirement for Ascension to sell specific surgery centers located in Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas.

With the transaction now closed, Ascension's operational footprint includes 300 ambulatory surgery centers spread across 35 states. This expansion signifies Ascension's intent to increasingly operate beyond conventional hospital environments, a strategy increasingly favored by healthcare systems navigating policy changes and financial pressures.