A Hutton insurance unit was sold to a health-care firm.

Hospital Corp. of America said it signed a definitive agreement to buy New Century Life Insurance Co., a subsidiary of E. F. Hutton Insurance Co., La Jolla. Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA said New Century, which is licensed in 34 states, will be headquartered in Nashville. A Hutton officer said New Century is a shell corporation and that no insurance customers will be transferred to HCA in the transaction. Sale terms were not reported.