Advocate Health Care agrees to buy hospital in Libertyville, IL

Advocate Health Care, the Chicago area's largest provider of medical care, is proposing a $180 million acquisition of Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. As part of the deal, Advocate would expand Condell's emergency department, elevate trauma service, and pay for the completion of a 68-bed tower that would have all private rooms and be within Condell's 283-bed license. The move is the latest in a flurry of activity by Chicago-area hospitals to expand through acquisitions and building projects in the fast-growing suburbs. The Advocate deal could close within five months, pending regulatory approval.