The merger of the non-profits is one of many deals as consolidation continues in health care. In just the first nine months of 2015, U.S. merger and acquisition activity has hit about $270 billion, "easily outpacing the activity in recent years," according to the New York Times.

“This is an exciting time not only for our two health systems, but for the citizens in Summit and surrounding counties, who will benefit from improved access to high-quality, affordable health care services,” noted Stover. "We are very excited about becoming Cleveland Clinic caregivers and look forward to expanding our services and improving our health care model so that we can provide even better care to our patients.”


The deal is expected to give Akron General better access to funding for technology upgrades and physician recruiting, according to the Columbus Dispatch. And it will give Cleveland Clinic a large foothold south of its home city, boosting the institution's access to patients in a market where it had not been a significant player.

To help to maintain local focus in its care delivery, Akron General Health System’s board of trustees will remain as an advisory board going forward.

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