UPMC and CommonSpirit Health have signed a letter of intent for the sale of three-hospital Trinity Health System, potentially extending UPMC's footprint into eastern Ohio.
UPMC is making its bid to enter the Ohio market by targeting an acquisition of CommonSpirit Health's Trinity Health System.
The sides have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to negotiate the sale of three-hospital Trinity in a move that could reshape healthcare in the eastern Ohio region. In the announcement, the organizations emphasized that the process remains in early stages but said the intent is to ensure long-term stability and expanded access to specialty care for the communities Trinity serves.
Trinity includes 200-bed Trinity Center West in Steubenville, 25-bed Trinity Hospital Twin City in Dennison, and 10-bed St. Clairsville Neighborhood Hospital, as well as urgent care clinics, behavioral health, and physician offices.
CommonSpirit and Trinity leaders began exploring partnership options with regional health systems earlier this year "that could enhance the services and clinical offerings." UPMC, which operates more than 40 hospitals across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York, already maintains a two-decade relationship with Trinity, particularly through UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and orthopedic collaborations.
For UPMC, the deal represents a strategic expansion into eastern Ohio, strengthening its presence beyond western Pennsylvania and deepening its footprint in the tri-state area. The transaction would add Trinity's facilities and workforce to UPMC's growing regional network, extending access to the system's specialty services while providing financial and operational backing for Trinity's hospitals.
UPMC has turned around its finances in the past year, recording operating income of $348.6 million through the first six months ended June 30, compared to an operating loss of $313.3 million over the same span in 2024.
For CommonSpirit, one of the nation's largest nonprofit systems, the sale would allow for a renewed focus on priority markets while bringing in an influx of cash. The Catholic health system reported an operating loss of $225 million for fiscal year 2025, which marked a significant improvement from the $875 million loss over the same period last year.
If a definitive agreement is reached, the proposed acquisition will face regulatory review and require careful consideration of community impact and governance. The organizations said they will engage with local stakeholders and the community throughout the process to maintain transparency.
Both organizations have not disclosed a timeline for completing the deal but "hope to complete the affiliation as soon as possible."
Jay Asser is the CEO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
UPMC and CommonSpirit have entered talks for the sale of Trinity Health System, which includes three hospitals and affiliated sites in eastern Ohio.
The move would give UPMC its first hospitals in Ohio, extending its regional network beyond Pennsylvania.
For CommonSpirit, divesting Trinity would support its strategy to concentrate on core markets while improving financial performance after narrowing losses in 2025.