The merger trend among U.S. health systems is starting to reach overseas. Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the five largest Catholic healthcare systems in the United States, intends to merge with Bon Secours Health System, the largest private health care provider in Ireland.
Bon Secours Health System is the largest private health system in Ireland, treating more than 280,000 patients annually in five acute-care hospitals in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Tralee and Dublin, as well as a Care Village in Cork.
Bon Secours Mercy Health is one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States employs more than 57,000 employees in 1,000 sites of care across seven states, including Ohio, Kentucky, New York, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida and Maryland.
Both parties said they would work together to finalize a definitive merger agreement, obtain applicable approvals and complete plans to merge. While there is no specific date outlined in the letter of intent, completion of the merger is expected by the end of the summer, pending further due diligence and necessary reviews and approvals.
“As consumers across the globe experience a dynamic and ever-changing healthcare marketplace, Bon Secours Mercy Health is committed to expanding its footprint to bring good help to more patients and communities,” said John M. Starcher Jr., president and CEO of Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health, in a prepared statement. “I am excited that this merger will provide both of our ministries with a platform to Europe and the United States that will amplify our ability to extend our healing ministry and reinvest in the communities we serve. By sharing best practices and expertise, we will work together to navigate the many complexities of health care both locally and internationally, and better understand different care delivery models. This will position us well to deliver exceptional care to our patients both today and in the future.”
