Sanford Health is making headlines as it aims to shake off a series of failed deals by making a bold move to acquire a $3 billion Wisconsin health system. Less than a year after abandoning a merger with a Minnesota health system, which marked its third unsuccessful deal since 2019, South Dakota’s Sanford is now eyeing a new multibillion-dollar merger. The $7 billion, 45-hospital system is set to absorb Marshfield Clinic Health System, a $3 billion system comprising 11 hospitals across Wisconsin and northern Michigan.

If successful, the proposed deal would position Sanford as Marshfield’s parent company, creating a formidable 56-hospital system with Sanford’s name, CEO, and headquarters in Sioux Falls, S.D. This combined entity would boast approximately 56,000 employees, 4,300 doctors and advanced practice providers, two health plans with over 425,000 members, specialty pharmacies, and research institutions. Both systems have indicated their intention to finalize the deal by the end of the year.