GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — Bellin Health officials say they’re in deep discussions with La Crosse based Gundersen Health System on a possible merger deal.
Officials said during a Wednesday press conference that the two systems intend to merge in order to offer a broader range of services and wider network of services.
“This isn’t a merger to get bigger. This isn’t a merger where one is getting swallowed up by the other. We are coming together as equals,” said Bellin Health CEO Chris Woleske.
The systems will retain their names, at least at first. No layoffs are anticipated.
“That’s one of the benefits to having separate geography,” said Gundersen CEO Scott Rothgaber. “We can continue to provide those local jobs to help keep all of our communities vital.”
Woleske told reporters that with the increased focus on technology in the healthcare field, specifically teledoc services and virtual medicine, it makes the distance between Gunderson Health System in Western Wisconsin and Brown County based Bellin no real issue at all.
“We can reach more patients with technology, virtual visits, etc. If we pool our resources and invest in that technology, just imagine what we could do,” said Woleske.
The merger, pending due diligence discussions, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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