Beacon Health System completes acquisition of Ascension Southwest Michigan

Beacon Health System today announced the completion of its acquisition of Ascension Southwest Michigan. This significant milestone expands the reach of our locally owned and governed nonprofit health system and strengthens our ability to serve communities across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. 

Beacon now operates four additional hospitals, 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center in southwest Michigan. These hospitals include Beacon Kalamazoo (formerly Borgess), a 422-bed acute care hospital, along with Beacon Allegan (formerly Borgess Allegan), Beacon Dowagiac (formerly Borgess-Lee) and Beacon Plainwell (formerly Borgess-Pipp). 

Beacon announced the definitive agreement to acquire these facilities in April. The completed acquisition brings more than 2,700 associates, including 259 providers, into the Beacon family. 

“Today marks an important new chapter as we come together, and we couldn’t be more excited about what we’ll accomplish as one unified team dedicated to serving our communities,” said Kreg Gruber, Beacon’s Chief Executive Officer. “This acquisition represents our continued commitment to strengthening health care in our region. Our patients will benefit from access to an expanded network of services and providers.”  

The acquisition gives southwest Michigan patients greater access to Beacon’s specialized services close to home. Beacon also becomes a partner with Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, home to more than 240 residents and fellows in 14 programs, enhancing the health system’s commitment to medical education and training.

This acquisition strengthens Beacon’s ability to recruit top talent and provide career opportunities for associates while expanding access to high-quality, affordable care across the region. Patients will benefit from additional specialists, enhanced resources and coordinated care throughout the expanded health system. 

“As a locally governed nonprofit organization, we remain committed to a community focus, driven by our mission to deliver outstanding care, inspire health and connect with heart,” Gruber said. “Our commitment to exceptional care is what makes our organization strong, and now together with our new associates and providers, we’re stronger than ever.”