The University of South Alabama Health Care Authority has acquired Providence Health Systems, it was announced Tuesday. Providence was owned by St. Louis-based Ascension Medical Group.

“The values shared by USA Health and Providence make the acquisition a good fit,” said South Alabama President Dr. Jo Bonner. “USA Health and Providence have long shared a commitment to provide compassionate care to those who need it the most, and that core value will not change.”

The goal of the new acquisition is for USA Health, already the only academic health care system on the upper Gulf Coast, to grow in its ability to educate, research, and conduct clinical care within the area of Mobile, the company said. USA Healthcare will gain the 349 beds in Providence Hospital and the related sites of care including the physician practices of Ascension Medical Group.

“Ascension Providence has a legacy of serving the healthcare needs of the community that dates back to the mid-1800s,” said Don King, president and CEO of Ascension. “We are pleased that this strong tradition will continue as the hospital and its related services transition to USA Health, which will allow associates and physicians to continue to serve the community through an integrated care delivery system.

“This transition will ensure that the Mobile community and surrounding regions have sustainable, quality healthcare access long into the future.”

The acquisition will also help the surrounding communities by providing jobs, officials said.

“The acquisition will create jobs and opportunities for more people across a wide spectrum to bolster Mobile and the surrounding area,” said Dr. John Marymont, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. “It now gives Providence the benefit of local leadership and enhances our commitment to serve this community.”

The transaction will close in the fall.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.