Following a deliberate selection process for a strategic partner, the Boards of Trustees of Athens Regional Health Services Inc., and Athens Regional Medical Center, Inc., and the Board of the Hospital Authority of Clarke County voted unanimously last night to pursue a strategic affiliation with Piedmont Healthcare.

The decision follows a broad market search and evaluation process led by the Boards and with nationally recognized advisors to select a partner that will best position Athens Regional for the future of healthcare and create a stronger health system for the Northeast Georgia region.

The decision authorizes the finalization of a non-binding Letter of Intent with Piedmont and the commencement of an exclusive negotiation period between the two organizations.

“From our comprehensive process and discussions, we are confident Piedmont Healthcare is the right long-term strategic partner for Athens Regional. Piedmont shares our vision to grow services, protect what we’ve built and make sure that the community has access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for years to come,” said James H. Hopkins, chairman of the Athens Regional Health System Board of Trustees.

In July, Athens Regional announced that in order for the system to thrive in the future and meet the needs of the communities it serves, the Boards made the decision to explore a strategic affiliation with another hospital, health system or healthcare organization who shares its mission, culture, values and commitment to excellence. The search process led the Boards to believe that an affiliation with Piedmont Healthcare will best position Athens Regional for the future of healthcare and create a stronger health system.

“Piedmont demonstrated to us that they have a culture and history of Putting People First” said Athens Regional President and CEO, Dr. Charles Peck. “Just like at Athens Regional, Piedmont places the patient at the center of everything they do.”

Upon the signing of the Letter of Intent, Athens Regional and Piedmont will enter the due diligence phase and exclusive negotiations to ultimately finalize the details of the affiliation and the approval and signing of the Definitive Agreement. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in the spring 2016.

Once this transaction is completed, Piedmont will provide additional operating and clinical support, while Athens Regional remains a not-for-profit health system with a local identity and governance.