WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Houston Healthcare could soon join the Emory Healthcare system if a proposed merger goes through, according to a press release from Emory Healthcare.
The two healthcare systems signed a non-binding Letter of Intent, which essentially indicates they are working to write up a legally binding agreement to have Houston Healthcare join Emory's hospital network.
Houston Healthcare, which has 2,500 employees at two hospitals along with other facilities, is the fourth largest employer in Houston County, according to the county development authority.
Currently, Emory has 11 hospitals across Georgia and 24,000 employees.
"Houston Healthcare has served its community well for more than 60 years, and we look forward to continuing and strengthening our high-quality, patient-focused service and care through this new affiliation with Emory Healthcare," CEO of Houston Healthcare Charles Briscoe said in the release. "We are enthusiastic about the future."
With the letter of intent signed, both Houston Healthcare and Emory Healthcare begin "due diligence," which is where both parties dig into the numbers to assess the risks and opportunities of the merger before it is made a done deal.
According to the press release, they expect the final terms of the deal to be completed in 2025 and the acquisition to be completed. However, they would need to first get regulatory approval and meet all closing conditions, the press release said.
"We are excited about the potential of this new relationship with Houston Healthcare, as it will expand our ability to provide high-quality care and services to communities beyond Atlanta, while broadening our geographic footprint in Georgia,” Emory Healthcare CEO Joon Lee said in the release.
Houston Healthcare serves over 300,000 patients each year, the press release says.
