Health Midwest officials hopeful about sale of chain

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Health Midwest's chief executive says he's optimistic a settlement can be reached in lawsuits filed in Missouri and Kansas over the proposed $1.13 billion sale of the hospital chain.

Meanwhile, Health Midwest officials and attorneys general in both states plan to discuss the case during conference calls early this week, said Richard W. Brown, Health Midwest's president and chief executive.

Health Midwest, a nonprofit organization, operates 13 hospitals and other health facilities in the Kansas City area.

At issue is the creation and management of one or more charitable foundations that would result from proceeds of the sale, expected to total around $800 million after Health Midwest's current long-term debts are paid.