The Ensign Group Announces JV to Develop Urgent Care Facilities

The Ensign Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENSG) today announced a joint venture to develop and operate urgent care facilities and related businesses.

Immediate Clinic's state-of-the-art walk-in clinics will offer daily access to healthcare for minor injuries and illnesses, including X-ray and lab services, all from convenient neighborhood locations and with no appointment. Design and construction planning for several new locations is currently underway, and Immediate Clinic is also seeking opportunities to acquire existing urgent care operations across the United States. To date, Ensign has committed $4 million to the joint venture, and expects Immediate Clinic to open its first facilities within the second quarter of 2012.