SSM reaches agreement to sell Audrain County hospital

SSM Health said Thursday that it has signed a "definitive agreement" to sell its hospital in Audrain County.

The not-for-profit health-care organization, which also operates St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City, said in a news release that it had reached an agreement with Noble Health. Noble Health also operates Callaway Community Hospital in Fulton.

Medical practices associated with SSM St. Mary's Hospital - Audrain are also part of the deal.

The two companies entered into exclusive negotiations in July. The transfer is expected in the first quarter of this year, SSM said.

SSM Health CEO and President Laura Kaiser said in a statement that SSM believes "this is the best way to ensure the long-term sustainability of quality care in this community."

Terms of the deal were not released. SSM bought the 100-year-old hospital in 2013.

SSM in November began talks to sell in Jefferson City hospital to Tennessee-based Quorum Health Corporation. The companies said at the time that they hope to come to an agreement in the second quarter of 2021.