SSM Health Care OKs Dean Health Systems purchase

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A St. Louis-based Catholic health care provider has finalized its merger with a Wisconsin health company.

SSM Health Care announced its purchase of the Dean Health Systems group of Madison, Wis., in April. The merger took effect on Sept. 1 after receiving regulatory and shareholder approval

The nonprofit SSM operates 18 hospitals in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. Dean Health Systems is a physician-owned organization with more than 60 clinics, plus eye care and pharmacy operations. This includes St.Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City.

In Wisconsin, SSM's St. Mary's Hospital in Madison has been open since 1912. It also owns St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, St. Mary's Janesville Hospital in Janesville, St. Mary's Care Center in Madison and St. Clare Meadows Care Center in Baraboo.