Three radiologist groups in Texas have merged, creating the biggest practice in the Lone Star state and one of the largest in the nation.

Radiology Associates of Tarrant County joined up with fellow Dallas-Forth Worth area practices Southwest Imaging and Interventional Specialists and Grapevine Radiology Associates. The merger is effective as of Tuesday.

The new practice, dubbed Radiology Associates of North Texas, will employ about 110 board-certified radiologists and 250 staff. It will be based in Fort Worth.

The 74-year-old Radiology Associates was previously the sixth biggest private practice in the country, with 74 radiologists, according to the December 2010 issue of Radiology Business Journal. The largest practice was Advanced Radiology Services PC in Grand Rapids, Mich., with 106 radiologists.

Southwest, founded in 1966, has about 26 radiologists, according to information on its Website. Grapevine has about 12, according to Modern Healthcare.

The merger was driven by a desire to increase subspecialty depth and to bolster financial strength, Radiology Associates president Dr. John Queralt said, according to Dallas Business Journal. Queralt will serve as president of the new merged group, which will be owned by doctors from the three practices, Modern Healthcare said.

The new entity will provide imaging services to 18 hospitals and 18 imaging centers, according to reports.

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