Corporate Report: Health Management Associates to buy Sparks Health System

Naples-based Health Management Associates Inc. signed a definitive agreement that is expected to close at the end of this month to acquire the 492-bed Sparks Health System in Fort Smith, Ark.

Gary Newsome, HMA's president and CEO, said in a press release, the deal “offers us additional strategic opportunities to better serve this market and is consistent with our intention to pursue acquisition opportunities that will generate a positive strategic impact that complements existing operations.”

Once the acquisition is completed, HMA will own and operate 55 hospitals with approximately 8,400 licensed beds throughout the United States.