DaVita Inc. today announced it has acquired dialysis facilities in Ohio, Maryland and Nebraska that serve over 750 patients. The transactions are effective July 1, 2004.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020729/DAVITALOGO )

The Ohio transaction includes the purchase of two kidney dialysis programs owned by Health Care Dynamics and one kidney dialysis program owned by Hillmed Dialysis Center of Rocky River. The facilities are located in Middleburg Heights, Parma, and Rocky River, serving approximately 310 patients on the west side of Cleveland.

"Hillmed has been evaluating dialysis companies looking primarily at patient outcomes and quality of care. What we found with DaVita is a company that closely mirrors our commitment to patient care and delivers patient outcomes well above industry standards," said Gerard S. Graham, principal owner of Health Care Dynamics and Hillmed Dialysis Center of Rocky River. "We are looking forward to continuing our work together in expanding DaVita's footprint in Cleveland."

DaVita has also acquired three centers from Renal Care and Management (RCM) and Renal Care of Bowie (RCB) located in Prince George's County, Maryland. RCM and RCB served approximately 270 patients in this area for the past several years.

Promod Duggal, M.D., one of the physicians with RCM and RCB, commented, "We believe DaVita will provide excellent care to our patients and give us the support we'll need to grow our practice. We also feel confident that DaVita will provide our staff with the professional development and opportunities they deserve."

The third acquisition involves four dialysis programs owned by Advanced Renal Services, serving approximately 200 patients in Nebraska.

Scott Liggett, M.D. will continue to provide Medical Director Services for the four outpatient dialysis centers. "I am excited at the opportunity DaVita adds to the delivery of dialysis services in the state and believe very strongly that their organization will allow us to continue to grow and serve small communities where our strength has always been. The employees of DaVita foster and carry the same work ethic that I feel is necessary to deliver health care today in its ever changing environment."

Kent Thiry, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DaVita, commented, "We are excited by the opportunity to work with our new partners. These outstanding physicians and caregivers share our commitment to improve the lives of the patients who entrust their care to us."

DaVita is a leading provider of dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. The Company operates and provides administrative services to kidney dialysis centers and home peritoneal dialysis programs domestically in 34 states, as well as Washington, D.C. As of March 31, 2004, DaVita operates or provides administrative services to 571 outpatient facilities serving 48,400 patients.

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SOURCE: DaVita Inc.