Healthland, an electronic health records vendor primarily focused on the rural hospital market, has acquired American HealthTech.

The combination of the companies “will help us build on interoperability,” said Teresa Chase, American HealthTech president.

Skilled nursing provider customers “are thrilled,” she said. As more companies in the information tech realm combine their resources, SNF customers have been worried about being left behind. The Healthland and American HealthTech merger is a “win-win,” Chase said. “There are great opportunities for synergy.”

American HealthTech Chairman Bill Caldwell retired yesterday. Chase will now report to Healthland CEO Angie Franks.

Healthland, which is based in Minneapolis, and American HealthTech, which is based in Jackson, MS, will keep their respective offices and have a combined staff of 450, Franks said. Healthland serves 500 hospitals in 40 states.

The sale was announced Tuesday. The purchase price was not disclosed.