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mediation agreement has been reached between Pennsylvania's commonwealth and Medical Properties Trust (MPT) regarding the value of Sharon Regional Medical Center's real estate, which MPT owns. The agreement, filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston on Monday, sets the stage for a non-binding mediation session to begin Wednesday afternoon before Judge Marvin Isgur.

    The mediation aims to determine an acceptable sales price for the hospital property that can be sold to Meadville Medical Center or another party designated by the commonwealth and Meadville. This would allow Steward Health Care System and Meadville to proceed with a potential sale, contingent on financial support from the commonwealth and other third parties.

    Meadville Medical Center had submitted a letter of intent to buy the hospital in August, pending financial backing. Discussions have taken place between MPT, the commonwealth, and Meadville regarding a potential transaction, as well as with other entities interested in leasing or owning the property and operating the hospital.

    The value of the hospital property has been a point of contention, with MPT reportedly seeking $22 million plus interest. The issue is tied to a claim brought by the Buhl Legacy Trust that alleges the property was improperly sold to MPT through previous transactions. A hearing in Mercer County Common Pleas Court on Friday revealed this figure, but the hearing was adjourned until further notice.