Are hospital mergers driving the cost increase?

Whaley told lawmakers his research found that hospital and health care system mergers are driving that cost increase. "There have been over 2,000 hospital mergers in the United States since 2001, roughly 100 or 150 hospital mergers per year," he said.

Are oil mergers taking off?

Oil Mergers Are Taking Off. These Stocks Stand to Win or Lose. © Provided by Barron's ConocoPhillips deal to buy Marathon Oil for $22.5 billion is the latest in a series of big acquisitions reshaping the energy industry, and some companies are in better shape to benefit than others.

Are mergers causing cost spikes in Oregon & Washington hospitals?

Just as two major hospitals in Oregon and Washington (OHSU and Legacy) signed a merger agreement last week, lawmakers heard researchers' take on the drivers of those cost spikes: mergers and private equity acquisitions.