Hospital expected to discuss merger plans Friday

May 9, 2013

LUDINGTON – Memorial Medical Center has scheduled a press conference for 10 a.m. Friday to discuss a decision that has been made regarding merging with another health system. In October 2012 the hospital’s board of directors announced it was going to explore forming a partnership with a larger healthcare system.

Juniper Avisory LLC of Chicago was hired to advise the hospital on possible partnerships. Juniper is an independent, privately-held investment banking firm dedicated to providing hospital clients with merger, acquisition and other financial advice, according to the company’s website.

Mark Vipperman, CEO of Memorial is expected to make the announcement.

Larger healthcare systems within a 100 mile radius of Ludington include Mercy Health Partners (Trinity) in Muskegon, Spectrum Health of Grand Rapids and Munson Healthcare in Traverse City. It is not uncommon for the hospital to frequently send patients to hospitals in Muskegon and Grand Rapids.

MCP will be at the press conference with live Facebook and Twitter feeds.