Kaufman Hall Advises Hallmark Health on Joining Wellforce

SKOKIE, Ill. – July 27, 2016 – Hallmark Health, a coordinated system of hospitals, physician practices and community-based services providing care for communities throughout north suburban Boston, recently announced that its Board of Trustees unanimously approved a Letter of Intent to join Wellforce, the parent company of Tufts Medical Center and Circle Health.

The vote followed an extensive review process that was facilitated by Kaufman Hall’s Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships team, through which Hallmark Health considered numerous affiliation proposals from both local and national providers.

“We are fortunate to have had a great number of thoughtful proposals to consider,” said Alan Macdonald, president and chief executive officer, Hallmark Health, in a press release issued by the organization on June 30, “but Wellforce clearly stood out as an organization that we can see ourselves aligning with and positioning us for future growth. They bring together thriving community hospitals, a renowned academic medical center and strong physician networks that are leaders in population health management. ”

As Hallmark Health’s strategic advisor, Kaufman Hall provided a strong understanding of what is required for hospitals and health systems to achieve sustained success in a population health environment, combined with a deep knowledge of how to identify and engage the optimal partner to help the organization achieve its long-term objectives. Kaufman Hall’s highly consultative and analytical approach, as well as its decades of experience facilitating partnerships between health systems were greatly valued by the Hallmark Health board and management team throughout the process. 

“There was no room for ‘trial and error’ in making the right decision. Kaufman Hall gave Hallmark Health invaluable guidance and confidence in reviewing each alternative, and in reaching a timely and positive conclusion,” Mr. Macdonald said. 

“Kaufman Hall's experience and judgment at the table was an invaluable addition to Hallmark Health’s executive team,” he continued. “It made all the difference in preparing the Board of Trustees to make the right choice for Hallmark Health’s future.”

Following the execution of the letter of intent, Hallmark Health and Wellforce have entered into an exclusive due diligence process, which Kaufman Hall continues to advise. Over the next few months, the groups will finalize the terms under which Hallmark will join the Wellforce system and work with the appropriate regulatory agencies to secure the necessary approvals.

To learn more about how Kaufman Hall is assisting healthcare providers with partnership decisions, contact Managing Director Patrick Allen at 847.441.8780.