MUNCIE, Ind. — Officials have approved a merger between Indianapolis-based Clarian Health and the medical group that owns Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie and Blackford Community Hospital in Hartford City.

Cardinal Health System Chief Executive Kelly Stanley says boards for Clarian and Cardinal finalized the deal this week. The approval was announced Thursday and the merger will take effect Jan. 1.

Officials have said both hospitals will keep their names and their current services, with Ball Memorial remaining a full-service acute care hospital.

Clarian is expected to fund $100 million in projects at Ball Memorial over four years, including completion of a cardiac care center and conversion of some patient rooms to private rooms.

Clarian’s roster includes Methodist Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis.