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News
Rush University System for Health and Endeavor Health are joining forces to create a 12-hospital nonprofit — the largest health system in Illinois by hospital count. The combined entity would generate nearly $11 billion in annual revenue, serve over 2 million patients, and employ more than 46,000 people. The deal is targeting an early 2027 close, pending regulatory approval.
Two of Chicagoland's biggest healthcare names are teaming up. Rush University System for Health (a three-hospital academic system) and Endeavor Health (a nine-hospital network) announced plans to merge into a single 12-hospital nonprofit, which would become Illinois' largest health system by hospital count — edging out heavyweights like Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Health Care.
The combined system would operate under the Rush name, reflecting its strong academic brand, while leveraging Endeavor's broader community care network and primary care-embedded clinical genomics programs. Endeavor Health CEO Gerald "J.P." Gallagher would lead the new entity, while Rush CEO Omar Lateef transitions to a CEO emeritus and strategic advisor role. The deal is pending regulatory review, with a target close of early 2027.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Mega-mergers like this reshape regional healthcare access and competition. For patients, the promise is better-connected care and expanded services; for the industry, it signals continued consolidation pressure on mid-sized health systems across the Midwest.
