Allina Health, California-based Sutter Health announce intent to combine companies

Allina said it will remain in Minnesota and keep its board of directors and brand, while at the same time, become Sutter Health’s Upper Midwest Division.

MINNEAPOLIS — Allina Health announced its plans to join forces with California-based Sutter Health after the entities signed a letter of intent on Tuesday.

Under the proposed deal, a statement from Allina said it will remain headquartered in Minneapolis and will keep its board of directors and brand, while at the same time, become Sutter Health’s Upper Midwest Division.

“When Allina Health joins Sutter Health, we look forward to making significant investments that improve care access and patient experience in Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities,” said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health. 

“Building on our complementary strengths and combined expertise, we will build a healthcare innovation engine that accelerates how ideas move from development and design into improving the health of patients and communities.”

The new body formed under the agreement anticipates the deal will “improve patient access and affordability; help caregivers spend more time with patients; drive high-quality and safe care; make it easier to get appointments; and accelerate physician and clinician recruitment.” 

Additionally, Allina said the combining of health systems will bolster both organizations’ already established reputations for leading the country in digital and tech advancements, as well as providing passionate care to their communities.

“Our two storied organizations share a common vision for the future and a proud history of caring for people and communities when they need us most,” said Tim Welsh, chair of the Allina Health Board of Directors. 

“By coming together, we can build upon that legacy, combining our expertise to provide preventive and life-saving care, build nation-leading clinical programs, advance discovery through research and clinical trials, and strengthen access and affordability to better serve our communities now and into the future.”

Allina said upon closing the deal, the two health systems’ combined footprint will include 18,000 physicians and 88,000 team members serving approximately 5 million patients across northern and central California, and Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The groups said they expect to close the deal by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval.