US District Judge Kenneth Bell denied FTC's preliminary injunction, allowing Novant Health's $320m acquisition of two NC hospitals.

US District Judge Kenneth Bell rejected the FTC's preliminary injunction against Novant Health's $320m acquisition of two NC hospitals from CHS. FTC opposed the deal, claiming it would decrease competition, but Judge Bell ruled that the risk of losing critical services outweighed potential harms. The deal allows Novant to expand healthcare services in the area, despite the FTC's concerns and ongoing investigation.