Conemaugh Health Joins Duke LifePoint

Conemaugh Campus 2Conemaugh Health System, a three-hospital, $515 million revenue health system headquartered in Johnstown, PA, has joined Duke LifePoint Healthcare, a joint venture between Duke University Health System and LifePoint Hospitals. This transaction is the largest in the country to-date involving the emerging buyer joint venture structure.

Duke LifePoint has agreed to invest more than half a billion dollars over the next decade to strengthen Conemaugh and its clinical programs. This commitment includes major construction projects, IT system enhancements, and the creation of a sizeable locally-governed charitable foundation that will fund future programs for community health needs. With these investments, Conemaugh solidifies its role as the primary economic engine of the region.

Juniper’s Role
The Board of Conemaugh engaged Juniper Advisory to proactively assess its strategic alternatives and to implement a competitive process to evaluate a range of structural options. Juniper designed and managed a comprehensive market-clearing process, drafted information materials, assembled an electronic data room, conducted reverse due diligence, and negotiated the agreement between the parties. Juniper also participated in the governmental approval process, which included review by the Pennsylvania Attorney General and public hearings at the local Orphan’s Court.

Conemaugh Health System
Conemaugh is a nonprofit healthcare organization comprised of three acute care hospitals located in West Central Pennsylvania. It provides a number of high-acuity specialties, including operating a Level One Trauma Center. The System is the largest healthcare provider between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg with over 4,500 employees and 375 physicians. In a region that was once known for heavy industry including iron, coal, and steel, Conemaugh is now the largest employer.

Duke LifePoint Healthcare
Duke LifePoint is a joint venture between Duke University Health System, one of the country’s leading academic medical centers, and LifePoint Hospitals, an investor-owned company with over 60 hospitals in 21 states. Duke LifePoint combines Duke’s clinical expertise and excellence in quality care with LifePoint’s financial resources, scale, and skill in operating community hospitals. The joint venture is in growth mode and has recently acquired four hospital systems, including Conemaugh.

Additional Details
For additional information, please refer to the press release.