Late News: Judge expected to rule soon on ProMedica restraining order

A federal judge was expected to rule soon on whether a temporary restraining order will be issued that would continue to freeze action related to Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica Health System’s purchase of St. Luke’s Hospital, Maumee, Ohio (Jan. 10, p. 14). A hearing was held Jan. 13 in U.S. District Court in Toledo. The Federal Trade Commission requested in federal court that both the temporary restraining order and a longer-term preliminary injunction be issued pending the outcome of an administrative complaint seeking to undo the merger. Jeff Kuhn, chief legal officer and general counsel for ProMedica, said it would not be unusual if the judge granted the temporary restraining order, which would last about a month. Of more concern to ProMedica is the prospect of the judge issuing the preliminary injunction, which Kuhn said would have “a chilling effect” on the deal. ProMedica requested a February hearing on the preliminary injunction.