Fifty-nine percent of independent ASCs would consider a strategic partnership rather than a full sales transaction, according to a VMG Health survey released Oct. 9.
The survey gathered responses from 97 ASC leaders in September, representing both independently owned and joint venture centers.
Here are three key transaction-related findings:
1. Among ASCs open to partnerships, 71% would consider partnering with a health system, 31% with a management company and 29% with a private equity group.
2. Compared to 2025, ASC leaders expect 2026 market activity to remain stable:
- More activity expected: 27% of respondents
- Similar activity: 66%
- Less activity: 7%
3. Here are the acquisition challenges for 202 surveyed leaders mentioned
- Increased competition: 30%
- Mismatch in buyer-seller value perception: 30%
- Internal financial challenges: 17%
- Regulatory hurdles: 13%
- Capital accessibility: 3%
- Other: 7%
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