Houston Methodist will take majority ownership of CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital in Katy and will likely transition it into a post-acute care facility, according to a joint statement released Sept. 18.

The two companies have entered into a letter of intent.

"This partnership brings together two faith-based organizations with longstanding commitments to the Houston community," said Marc L. Boom, M.D., president and CEO of Houston Methodist. "

According to the statement, the ownership percentages are still being negotiated. The two systems expect the transaction to be complete by the end of the year.

The agreement preserves CHRISTUS as a minority partner and allows it to maintain a role in governance. CHRISTUS may also have the option to manage St. Catherine, in its current location at701 S. Fry Road, as a post-acute facility, according to the statement.

Houston Methodist is also acquiring the CHRISTUS St. John Hospital in the Nassau Bay/Clear Lake area. That location will remain largely as it is now but under the Houston Methodist name.