A network of hospitals and health services providers in central Maine has been acquired by a California group that has pledged to invest $150 million in the system over the next five years.

Central Maine Healthcare, which includes Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital, is now part of California-based Prime Healthcare Foundation, according to a news release from the foundation.

The acquisition also includes the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, LifeFlight of Maine’s central Maine base, the Maine College of Health Professions in Lewiston and more than 40 physician practices.

“We are honored to extend our mission to the communities of Maine and are committed to preserving Central Maine Healthcare’s legacy, expanding educational opportunities, and ensuring compassionate, equitable care for generations to come,” said Kavitha Bhatia, president and chair of Prime Healthcare Foundation, in the release.

The move comes as Central Maine Healthcare has struggled with funding deficits and its leaders have been looking for ways to inject new capital into its hospitals. CMHC CEO Steve Littleson told the Lewiston Sun Journal in January 2025 that the deal, already in the works, was not one in which the Maine network would be “sold” but characterized it instead as joining with a new partner.

“We didn’t sell our health system,” Littleson said at the time. “We signed an agreement with a partner who has made commitments over a period of years.”

The acquisition represents the first hospitals for Prime in Maine, though the group already operates in seven other states. All Central Maine Healthcare facilities will retain their current names and local leadership, Prime said, and “substantially all” employees will be kept on staff.

Prime also pledged to invest $150 million over the next five years “to strengthen facilities, services, and infrastructure, and will continue” and said it will expand services based on community needs.

“Prime Healthcare Foundation was selected to steward these hospitals into the future after a comprehensive evaluation of mission alignment, values, and demonstrated success investing in hospitals that serve vulnerable communities,” said Devore Culver, chairman of the Central Maine Healthcare Board of Directors.

“Following regulatory review and careful diligence, we are confident this partnership secures a stable, vibrant future for healthcare in central Maine.”

This is a developing story.