Boone HealthWednesday, November 11
Boone Health has picked a buyer after a search of nearly a year and a half, but hasn't said who
The Daily Columbia team
The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees has chosen a buyer, but you won't hear who until Thursday. Commissioners pressed hospital officials Tuesday on why the search stayed mostly confidential. "There'll be a decent amount of people who feel that they should have a voice in this process, in this decision as well," Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick said.
Boone Health narrowed 17 possible buyers to one
Boone Health's search for a strategic partner
- Potential buyers considered17100%
- Signed confidentiality agreements1165%
- Submitted initial proposals424%
- Buyer selected15.9%
Source: KBIA
View as table
| Count | Share of the first step | |
|---|---|---|
| Potential buyers considered | 17 | 100% |
| Signed confidentiality agreements | 11 | 65% |
| Submitted initial proposals | 4 | 24% |
| Buyer selected | 1 | 5.9% |
- Search began: July 2025
- Adviser: Juniper Advisory
- County money: $475,000 in ARPA funds in 2024
- Public approval: required only for the physical property sale
Spokesman Christian Basi said the buyer's name stays private because of the nondisclosure agreements, and Boone Health officials called such agreements standard practice in major business transactions. Boone Health first aimed to have a partner by early 2026, with the changeover before fall 2026. Leaders say a partner could pay for expanding the emergency room.
38,000emergency room patients a year at a 16-bed department
Boone Health says a partner could provide capital for expansion and deferred maintenance, including a proposed expansion of the emergency department.
Source: KBIA