The hospital consolidation trend in metro Atlanta took another turn Friday with Henry Medical Center announcing it would enter partnership talks with Piedmont Healthcare.

The Henry Medical announcement was highly anticipated, with Emory Healthcare and Piedmont the top suitors for the Stockbridge hospital.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that the options for the talks will include an outright sale, a lease arrangement or a joint venture.

Recently, Emory announced an agreement with St. Joseph’s Hospital to form a joint operating company.

Stand-alone hospitals are seeking partners as health care reform and market trends have created momentum toward integrated health systems, both in Atlanta and nationally.