$33 Billion HCA Buyout Closes

HCA Inc. (NYSE: HCA), a Nashville, Tenn.-based hospital company, has been acquired by Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity, HCA founder Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. and HCA management. The total deal was valued at approximately $33 billion, including the assumption or repayment of approximately $11.7 billion of debt. HCA shareholders received $51 per share, and the shares will be delisted as of market close today. < ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />