Advocate, NorthShore merger blocked
The proposed merger of Downers Grove-based Advocate Health Care and NorthShore University Heath System is back on hold following a federal appeals court ruling Monday.
The Seventh District Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago reversed a lower-court ruling that in effect blocked a challenge by the Federal Trade Commission, claiming the merger violated antitrust laws. The 27-page ruling said the lower court made "clear factual errors" in its determination that the merger would not create a monopoly in the region.
The case was sent back to the lower court for further review.
In a joint statement, the health care systems said they were disappointed by the ruling.
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