Marquette General signs agreement to join Duke LifePoint

On Tuesday it was announced by the Marquette General Health System (MGHS) Board of Trustees that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Duke LifePoint Healthcare.

The agreement, once reviewed by the Michigan Attorney General, will make MGHS Duke LifePoint’s first hospital in Michigan.

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Under the agreement, Duke LifePoint will eliminate the hospital’s debt and make significant investments in physician recruitment and capital improvement projects, like a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center, a comprehensive cancer center, private patient rooms and new technology and IT infrastructure.

“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement and take the next steps in becoming part of Duke LifePoint,” said Brad Cory, chair of the MGHS Board of Trustees, in a press release. “After completing due diligence and closely examining the potential benefits of a Duke LifePoint acquisition for our hospital and community, our team is more enthusiastic about this partnership than ever. Duke LifePoint will provide Marquette General the resources we need to strengthen our hospital, enhance the services we offer and advance healthcare across the Upper Peninsula.”

With the agreement, Duke LifePoint will offer employment to all current MGHS employees, subject to standard pre-employment screenings, and assume the hospital’s obligations under its contract with the Michigan Nurses Association. Other specific terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

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“This acquisition has the potential to be a major milestone in Marquette General’s history,” said Gary Muller, president and CEO of MGHS. “Duke LifePoint shares our dedication to community involvement, charity care, strong physician relationships and an exceptional work environment. Its leaders are committed to working with us to find ways that we can respond to the evolving healthcare needs in our region.”

Following the acquisition, the MGHS community will also receive economic benefits from the construction of new facilities, spending at local businesses and municipal tax payments. Duke LifePoint will continue relationships the hospital has established with surrounding organizations, including the Northern Michigan University, Superior Health Partners and Michigan State University.

“Welcoming Marquette General to Duke LifePoint is a momentous occasion for us,” said LifePoint Chairman and CEO William F. Carpenter III. “This new relationship strengthens our efforts to provide quality healthcare close to home, and our team looks forward to partnering with the exceptional employees and physicians at Marquette General to transform healthcare in its communities.”

Further information on the proposed relationship with Duke LifePoint will be available on the Marquette General website at www.mgh.org.