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Allina Health will remain headquartered in Minnesota, retaining its board of directors and brand, while becoming Sutter Health's Upper Midwest Division.
MINNEAPOLIS — Allina Health announced plans to join forces with California-based Sutter Health after both entities signed a letter of intent on Tuesday.
According to a statement from Allina, under the proposed agreement, the organization will continue to be based in Minneapolis and maintain its board and brand identity, while integrating as Sutter Health's Upper Midwest Division.
"When Allina Health joins Sutter Health, we look forward to making significant investments that improve care access and patient experience in Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities," said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health.
"Building on our complementary strengths and combined expertise, we will create a healthcare innovation engine that accelerates how ideas move from development and design into improving the health of patients and communities."
The new entity formed under the agreement expects the deal to "improve patient access and affordability; help caregivers spend more time with patients; drive high-quality and safe care; make it easier to get appointments; and accelerate physician and clinician recruitment."
Additionally, Allina noted that the merger will strengthen both organizations' reputations as leaders in digital and technological advancements, while continuing to provide compassionate care to their communities.
"Our two storied organizations share a common vision for the future and a proud history of caring for people and communities when they need us most," said Tim Welsh, chair of the Allina Health Board of Directors.
"By coming together, we can build upon that legacy, combining our expertise to provide preventive and life-saving care, develop nation-leading clinical programs, advance discovery through research and clinical trials, and enhance access and affordability to better serve our communities now and into the future."
Upon closing the deal, the combined health systems will include 18,000 physicians and 88,000 team members serving approximately 5 million patients across northern and central California, as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The organizations expect to finalize the deal by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval.
