Feds approve hospital deal

NAPLES — The Federal Trade Commission approved Community Health Systems' acquisition of Naples-based hospital operator Health Management Associates, clearing the way for the $7.6 billion deal.

As part of the deal, the FTC says HMA must sell two hospitals: Riverview Regional Medical Center in Gadsden, Ala., and Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, S.C. Community Health says the sale of the two hospitals won't have a material impact on the combined companies' financial operations.

The shareholders of HMA, which operates 71 hospitals in 15 states, recently voted to approve the sale of the company to rival Tennessee-based Community Health for $7.6 billion. Combined, the two companies will operate 204 hospitals with more than 30,000 beds when the deal closes later this month.