Fulton Medical Center officials say the hospital has been sold and the new owners intend to keep it open.
Hospital officials said Friday the hospital was sold to EmpowerHMS, a health care management company based in Kansas City.
The Jefferson City News-Tribune reports the terms of the sale state that EmpowerHMS will keep the hospital open and its 37 beds available for patient care, with most employees being retained.
The previous owners of the hospital had announced in July they planned to close it on Friday, Sept. 22. It is the only hospital in Callaway County.
Ownership cited financial strains from low patient numbers and a deteriorating facility as the reason. MU Health Care sold its 35 percent stake in the hospital July 18 citing low patient volume.
Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton and other officials met with the new owners Friday. Benton said he was relieved and elated with the news.
The sale price was not released.