The Ensign Group Purchases Utah Skilled Nursing Facility

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ensign Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENSG), announced today that it has acquired the underlying real estate and other operating assets of Orem Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, a 108-bed skilled nursing facility in Orem, Utah. An Ensign subsidiary has been operating the facility since May of 2008 under a lease that did not include a purchase option. The acquisition was effective December 22, 2011.

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"With this fortuitous addition to our real estate portfolio we now own 75% of the facilities operated under the Ensign banner," said Christopher Christensen, Ensign's President and Chief Executive Officer. He stated that the purchase further demonstrates Ensign's deep and long-term commitment to the Utah County healthcare community. Noting that Orem Rehabilitation & Nursing Center was voted "Best of Utah Valley," in 2010, he added that he expects the recently-renovated and expanded facility to continue to build on the outstanding reputation developed by its dedicated therapists and caregivers. 

The purchase was made with cash and brings Ensign's growing portfolio to 101 healthcare facilities, 76 of which are Ensign-owned, three hospice companies and four home health businesses in 10 states.  Ensign affiliates hold purchase options on five of their 25 leased facilities. Mr. Christensen reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking additional opportunities to acquire both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing and assisted living operations 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, and other rehabilitative and healthcare services for both long-term residents and short-stay rehabilitation patients at 101 facilities, three hospice companies and four home health businesses in California, Arizona, Texas, Washington, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Iowa and Nebraska. More information about Ensign is available at http://www.ensigngroup.net.

SOURCE The Ensign Group, Inc.