The Ensign Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENSG), announced today that it has acquired the underlying real estate and other operating assets of Whittier Hills Healthcare Center, a 160-bed skilled nursing facility in Whittier, California and Ukiah Healthcare Center, a 57-bed skilled nursing facility in Ukiah, California. Ensign subsidiaries have been operating the facilities since July of 2000 and January of 2002, respectively, under leases with an option to purchase. The acquisitions were effective August 23, 2011.
"These purchases reflect our deep and long-term commitment to these two communities in particular, and to the state of California generally," said Christopher Christensen, Ensign's President and Chief Executive Officer. He added that these facilities are among Ensign's more mature operations and that he expects these facilities to continue to build on the outstanding reputations they have developed in the markets they serve.
The purchases were made with cash and bring Ensign's growing portfolio to 99 healthcare facilities, 72 of which are Ensign-owned, three hospice companies and three home health businesses across 10 states. Ensign affiliates hold purchase options on six of its 27 leased facilities. Mr. Christensen reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking additional opportunities to acquire both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing operations across the United States.
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