<p>^ Exactly, they are deep in debt because the schools cash flow has not covered their on-going expenses. They would like to merge with Rice so that they can consume a part of Rice’s cash. Sort of like looking for a “Sugar Daddy”. Net result would be a net cash outflow for Rice - read more expenses. A change in ownership is not going to change the poor economics of operating a medical school. It is only going to get worse in the near term too.</p>