Fairview and Surgical Consultants, P.A., signed a letter of intent in May to merge. The move will strengthen Fairview's multi-specialty physician group and lay the groundwork for a long-term vision to create a systemwide surgical services division within Fairview. On completion of the due diligence period, 13 board-certified surgeons, eight physician assistants and 40 staff will join Fairview and continue to perform surgeries at

Fairview Ridges and Fairview Southdale hospitals. Closing date is set for Oct. 1. Surgical Consultants will retain its name, and staff will continue to provide services at three clinic locations in Burnsville and Edina. For more information, contact Brad Beard, Southwest Metro care system president, 952-924-8348, bbeard1@fairview.org .