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Apollo Global Management, a private equity group behind 18-hospital RCCH Health Partners, is in talks to acquire Community Health Systems' assets, according to Reuters. The story does not detail whether Apollo has an interest in buying all of CHS or select hospitals. Struggling CHS confirmed Monday that it has retained advisors to explore strategic options. CHS owns 159 hospitals. It is shedding hospitals to reduce debt and improve operating performance. (Barkholz, 9/19)

Community Health Systems is pondering its future corporate structure as the health care heavyweight tries to manage a heavy debt load while pivoting to a new business strategy. The Franklin-based company, which previously focused on its fleet of hospitals in rural communities, has turned its attention to key metropolitan areas, such as Knoxville, Birmingham, Ala., and Fort Wayne, Ind., that also serve small towns. (Fletcher, 9/19)