National Heathcare Inc said itsigned an agreement to sell five rural hospitals to a private
corporation for about 18 mln dlrs, including the assumption of
six mln dlrs of debt.
    The company said it plans to complete the sales, which are
subject to various regulatory approvals, by the end of July.
    National Healthcare said it expects no material gain on
loss on the sales and that substantially all proceeds will be
used to reduce debt.
 Reuter
