WATERTOWN, S.D.(KWAT)- Sioux Falls Business reports the details of the merger were finalized this week.

“Sanford Health and Prairie Lakes have always worked collaboratively in support of our communities,” said Prairie Lakes CEO John Allen, who will continue to lead the Watertown area.

Allen says as an independent healthcare system, “we have all the challenges of the 21st century, including challenges regarding recruiting, labor market challenges with our supply chain and challenges with our payer relationships. The relationship with Sanford will really allow us to bolster those things while allowing improved opportunities in health care.”

Sanford President and CEO Andy Munce said, “Our vision is to continue to support those and also expand with subspecialty services, partnerships with our virtual care initiatives, so we really view this as a hub and support for the entire northeast section of South Dakota and into western Minnesota. It’s a really key location along I-29 that we can bridge together and provide another level of care to the communities in that region.”

The deal is the second announced by Sanford this month.

An acquisition of Black Hills Plastic Surgery is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.