ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Beacon Health System announced on Thursday that it has the signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Ascension healthcare system in southwest Michigan.

Beacon officials say the transaction is expected to close this summer and is subject to standard regulatory approvals.

"Once the transaction is complete, Beacon Health System will own Ascension’s network of four hospitals, 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center," a Beacon spokesperson said. "The hospitals include Ascension Borgess Hospital, Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital, Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital and Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital."

The largest facility in the deal is Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo, which is a 422-bed acute care hospital. Officials say the system has more than 2,700 associates, including 261 providers.

“Beacon Health System’s primary focus is to deliver outstanding care to our communities. Expanding our reach deeper into southwest Michigan broadens access to high-quality, affordable care for communities served by Ascension, extends our service area and provides growth opportunity to further strengthen the health system,” said Kreg Gruber, Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Health System.

“This acquisition will create a bright future for these communities by ensuring access to quality healthcare services for generations.”

The teams at Beacon Health System and Ascension say they are committed to working together to "ensure a smooth transition for team members, physicians and consumers."

Current Ascension patients will continue to receive the same care from the same providers, with minimal disruption to patient care.

“As a regional provider, Beacon Health System is positioned to serve patients through an integrated care delivery system to ensure that southwest Michigan has access to sustainable, quality health care long into the future,” said Scott Cihak, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer of Ascension Michigan.

“After an in-depth review, we found that our organizations are well-aligned culturally, which will streamline the integration process. Our communities are in good hands.”