DuPage Medical Group to acquire Pronger Smith MedicalCare

Downers Grove-based DuPage Medical Group, an independent multispecialty physician group in the western suburbs, said Monday it intends to acquire Pronger Smith MedicalCare, pending completion of due diligence and final contract negotiations.

Pronger Smith has more than 60 physicians across 20 medical specialties, with locations in Tinley Park, Blue Island and New Lenox. The physician-owned-and-directed group has been in practice since 1947. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Pending approval, the proposed deal would expand DMG's existing geographic footprint to include Pronger Smith MedicalCare's locations in Will and Cook counties.

"The acquisition of Pronger Smith MedicalCare is important for our continued service to communities beyond DuPage County," said DMG CEO Mike Kasper. "This furthers our commitment to the southern suburbs of Chicago as we build out a physician-directed group in that area, which started with the acquisition of Meridian Medical Associates," he added. "We welcome the opportunity to provide Pronger Smith's patients the superior quality care they've come to expect along with additional services and increased convenience."

Kasper added that leadership teams from DMG and Pronger Smith would work closely together to plan for a smooth transition and integration for physicians, employees and patients.

"The physicians at Pronger Smith will remain dedicated to the communities they currently serve while continuing to enhance and grow the principles of doctor-directed medicine. We believe this is a right-fit collaboration that will provide these

patient communities access to the best tools possible, including improved technology, resources and support," added DMG President Paul Merrick.

"The opportunity to join DuPage Medical Group is exciting for Pronger Smith MedicalCare," said Refat Baridi, managing partner of Pronger Smith. "We share the commitment to physician-directed care and joining DMG will better allow us to grow our practice in the emerging health care environment."