FTC Settles Antitrust Case With Hospital Chain
Published Date: 6/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing a deal with Ascension Health Alliance to stop unfair competition practices. This affects Ascension and its healthcare partners, aiming to keep the market fair and open. People have until July 10, 2026, to share their thoughts before the deal is finalized—no money changes hands, just rules to play fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Divestiture of 7 Ambulatory Surgery Centers
The FTC-approved consent agreement requires divestiture of AmSurg's majority interests in seven ambulatory surgery centers across five metropolitan areas (Nashville, TN; Panama City, FL; Tulsa, OK; Waco, TX; Wichita, KS) to preserve competition after Ascension's proposed $3.9 billion acquisition of AmSurg.
Who Will Buy the Divested Centers
Six of the divested ambulatory surgery centers will be sold to SC Affiliates (an affiliate of UnitedHealth Group) and the Panama City center will be sold to a physician group that currently holds a minority stake and will assume full ownership; both buyers already operate ambulatory surgery centers and can run the divested centers independently.
Transition Oversight, Trustee Backup, Ten-Year Term
The consent agreement requires respondents to provide up to one year of transition assistance, protect confidential information, maintain the viability of divested assets, avoid interfering with employment relationships, appoint a monitor to oversee divestiture and transition obligations, and provides for a trustee if divestitures are not completed; the proposed Order has a ten-year term.
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Key Dates
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