Rivals reportedly circle $4B HMA

In what could set the stage for a buyout worth more than $4 billion, hospital operator Community Health Systems and other companies have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Health Management Associates. The buyout buzz comes as the U.S. health-care industry and the hospital sector in particular continue to see a flurry of consolidation in the wake of the Obama administration's health-reform law. According to Reuters, Community Health is the most likely buyer of Naples, Florida-based Health Management, which reported 2012 revenue of $5.88 billion.