Forum Health and Ardent Health sign purchase agreement

YOUNGSTOWN — The long-rumored sale of Forum Health to Ardent Health Services of Nashville, Tenn., is now a reality.

A motion was filed today in U.S. Bankruptcy Court after From and Ardent signed an asset purchase agreement outling a proposed sale of Northside Medical Center, Trumbull Memorial Hospital, and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital and all of Forum's assets to Ardent for $69.8 million.

In a press release today from Forum Health, Ardent has pledged to keep all the hospitals open and invest an additional $50 million to $70 million over five years on renovations, new equipment and other upgrades to enhance "the quality of care and service."

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kay Woods will determine the process for reviewing the agreement, as well as any competing bids or objections to the agreement.

For the complete story, see Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com