Forum unions wary of Community Health Services; Ohio AG backs Ardent purchase proposal

YOUNGSTOWN — Leaders of the unions representing workers at Forum Health said their meetings with Community Health Systems of Tennessee have been unfruitful, and they voiced their concern with the company.

Community Health is thought to be a second potential bidder to buy the bankrupt Forum Health. The unions had a joint press conference today in Austintown.

Before the unions’ press conference, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray today told reporters his office has approved the potential sale of Forum Health to Ardent Health Services, also based in Tennessee. Ardent, the only known bidder, has offered to buy Forum Health’s assets for $69.8 million and pump in millions more in upgrades.

Cordray said his office would remain neutral regarding any other potential bidders.

Bids have to be filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court by 5 p.m. Tuesday. The bids will be opened Thursday. Any potential new bidder also must submit their purchase proposal to Cordray’s office for review.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com