Odyssey HealthCare acquires Westchester

Odyssey HealthCare, Inc. (NASDAQ: ODSY), one of the largest providers of hospice care in the United States, today announced that it has acquired Westchester, Illinois-based Generations Healthcare, expanding the Company’s presence in the Chicago metropolitan area. The transaction, which was completed on December 31, 2009, is not expected to have a material impact on 2010 earnings.

Robert A. Lefton, president and chief executive officer of Odyssey HealthCare, said, “This transaction is an excellent example of one of the types of acquisitions we are seeking – it expands our presence in an existing market, with a company that has built a reputation for delivering high quality and compassionate service to the surrounding communities. Generations Healthcare has an average daily census of approximately 55, and we look forward to working with the caregivers and support staff to expand the scope of services offered to the area.”

Based in Dallas, Texas, Odyssey is one of the largest providers of hospice care in the country in terms of both average daily patient census and number of locations. Odyssey seeks to improve the quality of life of terminally ill patients and their families by providing care directed at managing pain and other discomforting symptoms and by addressing the psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and their families.