PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says it has reached a deal with Highmark to extend an important regional health care contract by one year.

UPMC says in a statement issued today that the joint agreement will give people in Western Pennsylvania more time to figure out their future health insurance plans.

The two companies have been in an increasingly bitter dispute after Highmark announced a $475 million takeover of the West Penn Allegheny Health System last June.

UPMC said that made Highmark a direct competitor, and had previously indicated it would not negotiate with Highmark on the issue.

UPMC says the agreement came after discussions led by Gov. Tom Corbett and a third-party mediator.