May 9, 2012 - Westlake Regional Health System (Westlake), located in Columbia, Kentucky, is pleased to announce that the Westlake Board of Trustees has entered into exclusive negotiations with LifePoint Hospitals, headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, to explore a proposed asset purchase arrangement.

Tuesday evening, May 8, 2012, in a Special Called Meeting of the Board, the Westlake Board of Trustees disclosed that it had received three (3) Letters of Intent submitted by LifePoint Hospitals, Norton Health System, and Ephraim Memorial Health System. LifePoint Hospitals was selected because of its unique ability to meet Westlake's objectives for the process, including assistance with the design and implementation of new models of care and payment reform, providing access to capital, experience with recruiting and sustaining physician relations, and developing service line partnerships.

Westlake Health System is an integrated health provider serving central Kentucky residents for more than forty-five years. With five locations in three counties, Westlake proudly offers multiple services and specialties to meet the needs of Kentuckians close to home. With primary care, mid-level and specialist physicians, registered nurses and a staff of highly trained licensed health care professionals, Westlake is made up of an experienced team of dedicated staff. Westlake provides healthcare solutions with compassion and respect for the uniqueness of every individual. Guided by a values-based culture to consistently deliver clinical and service excellence to our patients, Westlake strives for excellent care - every day.

LifePoint operates nine hospitals in Kentucky, including Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, which is located 40 miles from Westlake Regional, Bluegrass Community Hospital in Versailles, Bourbon Community Hospital in Paris, Clark Regional Medical Center in Winchester, Georgetown Community Hospital in Georgetown, Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, Logan Memorial Hospital in Russellville, Meadowview Regional Medical Center in Maysville and Spring View Hospital in Lebanon.

"I commend the Board of Trustees and members of the Strategic Steering Committee for the extremely thoughtful and thorough work they have done in coming to this decision," said Westlake Interim President and CEO Timothy Menton. "All three of the finalists are highly respected healthcare organizations. We are confident that LifePoint's sterling reputation and commitment to quality care will assist us in serving our region of South Central Kentucky. By joining LifePoint, Westlake joins LifePoint's state-wide network of hospitals and will gain access to a broad range of operational and financial resources, as well as LifePoint's clinical quality initiatives and experienced leadership."

"LifePoint Hospitals is proud and honored to be selected as the finalist in Westlake's search for a strong and experienced strategic partner," said LifePoint Division President Tom Weiss. "We look forward to the final stage of this process which will allow us to more thoroughly explore the potential and vast possibilities of partnering with such an outstanding medical institution. LifePoint and Westlake share the common mission of engaging with our physicians to strive for clinical excellence and putting our patients' needs first. It is with these two goals in mind that we'll continue to explore a strategic relationship."

Westlake and LifePoint will now begin more in-depth negotiations to reach a final asset purchase agreement. Normal and customary due diligence will take approximately 30 - 60 days to complete. It is anticipated that the transaction will be completed during the third quarter of 2012.

Spectrum Health Partners, LLC based in Nashville, TN has served as Financial Advisors to the Board.