MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Sept. 20, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensign Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:ENSG), announced today that it has acquired the underlying real estate and other operating assets of Atlantic Memorial Healthcare Center, a 104-bed skilled nursing facility, and Shoreline Healthcare Center, a 75-bed skilled nursing facility, both located in Long Beach, California. Ensign subsidiaries have been operating the facilities since July of 2002 under leases with an option to purchase. The acquisitions were effective September 18, 2012 and September 20, 2012, respectively.
"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 107 healthcare facilities, 85 of which are Ensign-owned, four hospice companies and six home health businesses across 11 states. Ensign affiliates hold purchase options on two of its 22 leased facilities. Mr. Christensen reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking additional opportunities to acquire both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing, assisted living and other healthcare related businesses across the United States.
About Ensign ™
The Ensign Group, Inc.'s independent operating subsidiaries provide a broad spectrum of skilled nursing and assisted living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies, home health and hospice services, urgent care services and other rehabilitative and healthcare services at 107 facilities, four hospice companies and six home health businesses in California, Arizona, Texas, Washington, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Iowa, Nebraska and Oregon. More information about Ensign is available at http://www.ensigngroup.net.
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