ZHF I repays outstanding U.S. SBA guaranteed debentures

The fund was licensed in 2000 by the SBA as an SBIC. The SBIC program is a joint venture program between private equity and the government to make loans and investments to small and medium sized business in the U.S. ZHF I is an $80 million fund that in its 10-year history has made over $135 million in loans and equity investments to healthcare service providers in over 30 states. To date, the fund has not had any losses.

Doug Korey, Managing Director Ziegler Healthcare Capital (ZHC), the management company for ZHF I said, "We are very excited to have achieved this objective and look forward to continuing our successful track record throughout our portfolio of funds."

Eric Smith, Director of ZHC added, "I would like to thank everyone associated with this venture. Given the challenging credit markets that many investors face, we are pleased to have achieved such substantial returns for our investors."