Plano-based LHP Hospital Group, Inc. announced a merger agreement Oct. 5 with Nashville-based Ardent Health Services. This merger and new ownership agreement will create the second largest private, for-profit hospital operation in the US with 19 hospitals in six states and $3 billion in revenues. LHP Hospital Group's corporate office is located at 2400 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 450, Plano. 972-943-1700. www.lhphospitalgroup.com