Kindred Healthcare and Gentiva Health Services have entered into a merger agreement, with Kindred acquiring all outstanding shares of Gentiva common stock, Kindred has announced.
 
The transaction  valued at $1.8 billion, including the assumption of Gentiva's debt  was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, a Kindred release states. The companies expect the closing of the transaction to occur early next year.
 
Kindred is paying $19.50 per share in a combination of cash and stock.
 
“The combination of Kindred and Gentiva will further enhance Kindred’s industry leading position as the nation’s premier post-acute and rehabilitation services provider and make Kindred at Home the largest and most geographically diversified home health and hospice organization in the United States.”