The Ensign Group Grows in Iowa
Rhea-AI Summary
The Ensign Group (Nasdaq: ENSG) announced multiple strategic acquisitions effective August 1, 2025. The company acquired Crystal Heights Care Center, a 72-bed skilled nursing facility in Oskaloosa, Iowa, through its REIT subsidiary Standard Bearer Healthcare. In California, Ensign acquired operations of five skilled nursing facilities and three assisted living facilities, plus three additional facilities under management agreements, adding over 1,200 operational beds/units. The company also acquired Pine Crest Health and Memory Care, a 120-bed facility in Wisconsin.
These acquisitions expand Ensign's portfolio to 361 healthcare operations, including 47 senior living operations across 17 states. The company's subsidiaries now own 148 real estate assets. Management continues to actively seek acquisition opportunities nationwide.
Positive
- Portfolio expansion to 361 healthcare operations across 17 states
- Strategic growth with 1,200+ new operational beds/units in California
- Increased real estate portfolio to 148 assets through Standard Bearer REIT
- Geographic diversification with new facilities in Iowa and Wisconsin
Negative
- Multiple simultaneous acquisitions may present integration challenges
- Three California facilities pending regulatory reviews before full operation
- Increased operational complexity with expansion across multiple states
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, ENSG gained 2.10%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., Aug. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensign Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENSG), the parent company of the Ensign™ group of companies, which invest in and provide skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies, other rehabilitative and healthcare services, and real estate, announced today that it acquired Crystal Heights Care Center, a 72-bed skilled nursing facility located in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The real estate will be acquired by a subsidiary of Standard Bearer Healthcare REIT, Inc., Ensign’s captive real estate company, and the facility will be operated by an Ensign-affiliated operator, effective as of August 1, 2025.
“We are thrilled to be growing in Iowa again, after our successful additions last year” said Barry Port, Ensign's Chief Executive Officer. “We had another perfect opportunity to add to Standard Bearer’s growing portfolio in Iowa and couldn’t be more excited about this addition,” he added.
Dave Jorgensen, President of Gateway Healthcare, Inc., Ensign’s Iowa-based subsidiary, added “This is a fantastic operation and we are excited to work together with our healthcare partners to provide top-notch care for our residents and their families.”
In a separate transaction on the same day, Ensign announced it acquired the operations of five skilled nursing operations and three assisted living in California. These acquisitions were effective on August 1, 2025, and are subject to new triple net lease arrangements with affiliates of CareTrust REIT Inc., (NYSE: CTRE) and International Equity Partners. In addition, this acquisition also included three additional facilities, which are being operated under management agreements pending certain state regulatory reviews. In total, Ensign-affiliates will operate eleven new facilities in California, adding over 1,200 operational beds/units to Ensign’s portfolio.
In another transaction on the same day, Ensign announced that it acquired the real estate, through a subsidiary of Standard Bearer, and operations of Pine Crest Health and Memory Care, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in Merrill, Wisconsin.
These acquisitions are effective as of August 1, 2025, and bring Ensign's growing portfolio to 361 healthcare operations, which includes 47 senior living operations, across 17 states. Ensign subsidiaries, including Standard Bearer, own 148 real estate assets. Mr. Port reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking opportunities to acquire real estate and to lease both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing, senior living and other healthcare related businesses throughout the United States.
About Ensign™
The Ensign Group, Inc.'s independent operating subsidiaries provide a broad spectrum of skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies and other rehabilitative and healthcare services at 361 healthcare facilities in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. More information about Ensign is available at http://www.ensigngroup.net.
Contact Information
The Ensign Group, Inc., (949) 487-9500, ir@ensignservices.net
SOURCE: The Ensign Group, Inc.
FAQ
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