Rhoen-Klinikum, a cooperation of hospitals and clinics based out of Bad Neustadt an der Saale in Germany, warned that the vote by its shareholders against the takeover of another German hospital operator is not a precursor for another for its previous bidder, Fresenius.

According the German hospital group, through a statement issued last Thursday, "One should not conclude from the change to the bylaws that there will automatically be a new takeover attempt, in particular from Fresenius or renewed momentum."

The two hospital companies are in initial discussions on a program that would allow its patients to purchase insurance for in-network services, These services would cover single-bed hospital rooms as well as treatment from specialists. According to Rhoen, the aid discussions are part of a reorganization plan where Rhoen is planning to shell out Eur1 billion or US$1.32 billion for its investments in the next five years.

According to Rhoen-Klinikum CFO Jens-Peter Neumann, "We're focusing on above-market-level organic growth for the company and its clinics."