Hospital merger and acquisition activity in 2012 was the highest in a decade, according to Fitch Ratings.
The company credited healthcare reform and the changing reimbursement landscape for the increased consolidation. It said providers increasingly are exploring opportunities with hospitals, physicians and insurers.
Although “traditional factors such as economies of scale, access to capital and market share continue to play a role in hospital consolidation, a Fitch survey revealed strategic considerations and preparation for healthcare reform were the primary drivers in 2012 – leading to consolidation activity not seen in over a decade,” said Adam Kates, director in Fitch’s public finance group.
