Marathon Health, a provider of direct primary care for employers, announced the acquisition of Cerner Workforce Health Solutions (WHS), a group of dedicated onsite and near-site health clinics. The acquisition will expand Marathon’s footprint, accelerating the reach of its unique population health model to more employers, locations and members. The transaction closed on August 1, 2023.
“Marathon Health is singularly dedicated to helping employers control healthcare costs by transforming healthcare delivery, and we are thrilled to join forces with the Cerner WHS team on this mission,” said Dr. Jeff Wells, CEO and co-founder of Marathon Health. “We are grateful to welcome such a caring, committed team and to deepen the employer partnerships that have been cultivated over the years, bringing even more value to these clients.”
The acquisition will add approximately 300 ambassadors, 21 clients, 35 health centers and 300,000 members to the Marathon Health organization. It will expand Marathon’s footprint in 15 states, including a significant expansion in Chicago, IL; Kansas City, KS; and St. Louis, MO. Cerner WHS has developed innovative capabilities in areas such as Occupational Health and Onsite Pharmacy, which Marathon will seek to build upon as it continues to broaden its service offering.
“We saw in Marathon a like-minded organization that is passionate about its clients and members,” said Stacie Clum, general manager and senior director of Cerner WHS. “I don’t think the fit could be stronger — we have complementary cultures, strategies and capabilities — and I am deeply excited for this next chapter.”
Cerner WHS clients will not experience any disruption to their service. All care teams have been retained, and no changes to teams or service are expected for Marathon Health clients, ambassadors or members, as a result of the acquisition.
“Marathon Health’s goal is to become the leader in value-based healthcare in the commercial sector, by helping employers of all sizes achieve an advanced, population-health-driven model of primary care,” said Ben Evans, executive chairman and co-founder of Marathon Health. “Acquisitions such as this are an important part of achieving that goal. We are thrilled to welcome Cerner WHS clients, members, care teams and associates to the team.”