MASSILLON, Ohio — An affiliate of Community Health Systems Inc. in suburban Nashville, Tenn., has acquired the minority interest in Affinity Medical Center in Massillon, completing its buy of the not-for-profit hospital in Ohio.
Community Health Systems, a for-profit and publicly owned system whose affiliates own, run or lease 122 hospitals in 29 states, bought the minority interest from Akron General Health System for an undisclosed amount.
James Gosky, media and public relations director for Akron General, confirmed the sale of the Affinity interest, but declined to say the reasons for the sale. The acquisition was completed on Monday, making Affinity a wholly owned subsidiary of an unnamed affiliate of Community Health.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Community Health was incorporated in 1996. The company buys hospitals in growing but small communities where the hospitals tend to have little competition and less managed-care business, and where they are considered community citizens, according to the Franklin, Tenn., company’s annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This year alone, Community Health has acquired whole or part interests in four hospitals, and sold one, according to its Web site. As of Dec. 31, Community Health and its affiliates had 55,579 full-time employees and 22,755 part-time employees. Its 2008 revenues were $10.8 billion, and its net income, $218.3 million, according to the annual report.
Akron General got its stake in Affinity through its 1999 acquisition of Massillon Community Hospital, which merged in a joint venture with Doctors Hospital of Stark County in 2006.
Affinity is a 268-bed, acute care hospital whose roots date to 1904 when John and Amelia Pocock donated land to establish Massillon Community Hospital, according to Affinity’s Web site.
