Saudi Hospitals to pick Goldman

Saudi Arabian hospital operator Al Hammadi Co. for Development & Investment is close to hiring Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to advise on merger talks with National Medical Care Co., according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Al Hammadi could finalize appointing Goldman Sachs in coming days, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. The mandate isn’t final and the company’s plans could change, they said. National Medical Care is likely to work with JPMorgan Chase & Co., they said.