NASHVILLE, TENN. — Ardent Health Services has acquired LHP Hospital Group Inc., creating the second largest private, for-profit hospital operator in the United States, with 19 hospitals in six states and $3 billion in revenues, according to Ardent. Although the purchase price was not disclosed, Ventas Inc., a massive healthcare REIT, provided $700 million in financing to Ardent for the acquisition. The five-year, LIBOR-based acquisition loan bears an initial cash interest rate of approximately 8 percent. As part of the transaction, Ardent received a significant equity contribution from its majority owner, an affiliate of Equity Group Investments. Ventas also made an equity contribution to maintain its 9.9 percent equity stake in Ardent. LHP’s portfolio of hospitals were all operated in joint ventures. LHP’s portfolio includes Bay Medical Center in Panama City, Fla.; HUMC Mountainside in Montclair, N.J.; HUMC at Pascack Valley in Westwood, N.J.; Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho; and Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights, Texas. Under the terms of the agreement, Ardent will assume LHP’s management and operational responsibilities within each joint venture partnership. The transaction is not expected to impact the day-to-day operations of the affiliated hospitals. The Ardent management team will also continue to lead the …
