Baptist Health South Florida Finalizes Boca Raton Regional Acquisition

The two hospital systems signed a letter of intent to explore a merger in December 2018.

Miami-based Baptist Health South Florida has finalized its previously announced acquisition of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the two hospitals announced Monday.

"We foresee an exciting future at Boca Raton Regional Hospital that will cement its title as the preeminent healthcare provider in the community," Baptist Health South Florida CEO Brian E. Keeley said in prepared remarks.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The two nonprofit hospital systems signed a letter of intent to explore a merger in December 2018.

At that time, Keeley said acquiring the 400-bed BHHR made sense because Baptist Health was looking to expand its regional footprint.

"As Baptist Health has grown in recent years to meet the needs of our communities, we have clearly defined our service area as being from Palm Beach County down to the Florida Keys," Keeley said in December. "Boca Raton Regional Hospital will be a strong complement to the services we offer at Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West, along with our outpatient centers in the area."

In May, BRRH named Lincoln S. Mendez as its new CEO to succeed Jerry Fedele when he retires next month. Mendez was CEO at Baptist Health's South Miami Hospital.

“Today’s announcement concludes a process that will elevate our position as an advanced, tertiary academic center," BRRH Board Chair Christine E. Lynn said.

In 2017, Baptist Health merged with Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West in Boynton Beach. The BRRH acquisition brings the number of Baptist Health hospitals to 11.

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare provider in South Florida, with nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians, and more than 100 outpatient centers across four counties.