Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire Backus Corp., a Norwich, Conn., health system.

A definitive agreement for the deal is expected in July, the organizations announced (PDF).

Hartford and Backus, which includes the 184-bed William W. Backus Hospital, announced a letter of intent in February and have since performed due diligence, a news release said. Under the deal, the Backus Hospital would join Hartford HealthCare's five-hospital network. Hartford HealthCare includes the 601-bed Hartford Hospital, 263-bed Hospital of Central Connecticut, 130-bed MidState Medical Center, 57-bed Natchaug Hospital and 79-bed Windham Hospital.

“After serious review, our board has concluded that the integration of Backus and Hartford HealthCare would provide the necessary benefits for the individuals and communities we serve,” David Whitehead, Backus president and CEO, said in the release. State and federal regulators must approve any deal.