Ambulatory Resource Centres (ARC), an outpatient-care center company, merges with UniPhy Healthcare, a physician practice management company, to create Nashville-based Symbion.

Former UniPhy executive Richard Francis Jr. is named CEO of the new firm, while ARC president William “Billy” Webb is named chief development officer.

After 15 years, the company will merge with Surgery Partners in a $792 million deal. The newly combined company will own and operate about 100 ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals with physician partners in 27 states.