Hospital chain challenges Karmanos-McLaren deal

DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Medical Center has filed a legal challenge to the planned combination of the Detroit-based Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Flint-based McLaren Health Care. The Detroit Medical Center operates a chain of hospitals in the city and says it has an exclusive partnership with Karmanos. Karmanos and McLaren announced Oct. 30 that they were combining their cancer care and research systems. They say the deal will make Karmanos a member of McLaren's system, but the two organizations will "retain their names and remain as separate legal entities." The Detroit Free Press says that the Detroit Medical Center filed its objection last week in Oakland County Circuit Court. The for-profit Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanguard Health Systems acquired the Detroit Medical Center in 2011. Published: Fri, Dec 13, 2013