Universal Health buys Psychiatric Solutions

KING OF PRUSSIA — Universal Health Services says it will buy Psychiatric Solutions for about $2 billion in cash to help strengthen its behavioral services unit and grow its overall business.

The companies value the total deal at approximately $3.1 billion, which includes $1.1 billion in debt.

Psychiatric Solutions of Franklin, Tenn., is the biggest operator of owned or leased freestanding psychiatric inpatient facilities, while Universal Health, based in King of Prussia, owns or runs acute care hospitals and behavioral health care facilities and schools.

Both companies' boards approved the transaction, which is expected to produce about $35 million to $45 million in annual cost savings within three years of closing.