Atrium to take control of WakeMed in deal that could bring $2B investment to Wake
WRAL • • business
Key Points:
- Atrium Health plans to take control of WakeMed in a deal that could bring at least $2 billion in new investment to Wake County, expanding Atrium's presence in North Carolina and promising thousands of new healthcare jobs.
- The transaction, unanimously approved by WakeMed’s board, aims to enhance healthcare quality, attract medical talent, accelerate research, and increase access to clinical trials, benefiting WakeMed’s expansion and competition with UNC Health and Duke Health.
- The deal would give Atrium sole corporate membership of WakeMed's nonprofit, while Wake County commissioners retain significant board appointment powers; WakeMed’s leadership is expected to remain post-transaction.
- The proposal faces scrutiny from state officials, including State Treasurer Brad Briner and Attorney General Jeff Jackson, who express concerns about reduced competition potentially increasing healthcare costs for consumers.
- The Wake County Board of Commissioners is set to vote on amendments needed for the deal, with a news conference planned to discuss the transaction further.
