HCA Healthcare: Brand overview
In 1968, Thomas Frist Sr., his son Thomas Frist Jr., and Jack Massey embarked on a healthcare endeavor by creating the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in Tennessee. Originally conceived as a modest collection of clinics and hospitals, HCA rapidly expanded its reach over the ensuing decades. By the 1980s, through an aggressive acquisition strategy, it had become one of the leading for-profit hospital chains in the country.
In the 1990s, however, HCA became embroiled in controversy over a major Medicare fraud incident that resulted in more than $1.7 billion in fines. As a result of this crisis, CEO Rick Scott stepped down. But under new leadership, HCA grew stronger, expanded into new territories, and diversified its services, including the addition of ambulatory surgery centers.
A landmark event in HCA’s history occurred in 2006 when a group of private shareholders acquired the company in a stunning $33 billion deal; however, by 2011. HCA returned to public ownership, managing to raise over $3 billion in an initial public offering (IPO). This event was the most significant private equity-driven IPO in U.S. history.
To date, HCA’s influence in the healthcare industry remains undiminished. With ownership of more than 185 hospitals and an extensive network of more than 2,000 healthcare facilities spanning 21 states and even the United Kingdom, HCA has not lost its influence. Driven by an unwavering commitment to health care, the company is moving forward, venturing into new territories and adding more regional health systems and specialty clinics.
Meaning and History
before 2016
2016 – 2019
2019 – today
The logo is an imitation of the Red Cross, as the company it represents is associated with medical institutions. The symbol consists of four bold lines curved at an angle, with a small rhombus in the center between them. On the left is the first part of the name, “HCA,” in geometric, uppercase sans serif font. The horizontal bar in the letter “A” is cut in thirds and slightly rounded to avoid hitting the opposite side. The word “Healthcare” is on the bottom line and consists of rounded characters with serifs.
The small diamond in the center looks like a gemstone, giving the entire text a jewel-like appearance. The chopped and rounded stripe in the letter “A” makes you look twice: it’s like a little twist in something otherwise simple. The combination of the words “HCA” and “Healthcare” is interesting in that the formal, geometric “HCA” seems serious, while the rounded “Healthcare” seems more relaxed and approachable.
HCA Healthcare color codes
Flame Red | Hex color: | #e75925 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 231 89 37 | |
CMYK: | 0 6 84 9 | |
Pantone: | PMS 172 C |
Space Cadet | Hex color: | #092240 |
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RGB: | 9 34 64 | |
CMYK: | 86 47 0 75 | |
Pantone: | PMS 282 C |