Boston-based Partners HealthCare has broken off talks with Lifespan officials in Rhode Island about a potential third partner in its planned takeover of Care New England.
Lifespan, Rhode Island’s largest hospital group, “worked creatively and tirelessly toward a potential partnership with Partners HealthCare and Care New England,’’ Lifespan’s board chairman, Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr., said in a statement Monday. “Unfortunately, Partners Healthcare and Lifespan could not reach an agreement and talks have ended…”
The announcement comes seven months after three hospital systems announced they would begin “formal discussions” about working together. It marks a major blow to Lifespan, which now faces being dwarfed by Massachusetts’ largest hospital group’s move into Rhode Island. The breakdown in a three-way partnership also ends Lifespan’s long-standing interest in taking over Care New England’s prized birthing hospital, Women & Infants.
“While we are disappointed,’’ Lifespan’s Aubin said in the statement, “Lifespan remains focused on the health care needs of our community, with a continued commitment to providing world-class, compassionate care based in Rhode Island. As the state’s largest employer, we will continue to support job growth and economic wellbeing for our community.”
Lifespan declined further comment about why the Partners discussions had ended, citing a “nondisclosure agreement” Lifespan had signed with Partners prior to the talks.
Lifespan’s Aubin also signaled in the statement that it might be interested in seeking another merger partner, stating, “We remain open to collaborations with like-minded organizations that are committed to our mission.”
