Saint Joseph to merge with U of L Hospital, Jewish Hospital

The non-profit companies that operate three of Kentucky's largest hospital networks — Saint Joseph Health Systems, University of Louisville Hospital and Jewish Hospital — intend to merge under an agreement approved by U of L trustees Thursday.

The organizations have agreed to sign a letter of intent, which is a non-binding document that provides an outline as the parties work toward a final agreement. They hope to complete the merger within a year.

The combined entity would include more than 3,000 physicians and 15,000 employees in Kentucky and have combined revenues of more than $2 billion. Jewish and U of L hold a 42 percent market share in the Louisville area while Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have a 21.8 percent market share in Lexington.