GE Healthcare Financial Services Closes $160 Million Deal with Odyssey HealthCare, Inc

Business Wire, March 13, 2008

CHICAGO -- GE Healthcare Financial Services has provided a $160 million senior secured credit facility to Odyssey HealthCare, Inc., for its recent acquisition of VistaCare Inc., one of the largest providers of hospice care.

"GE listened to our needs and delivered a financing solution that gives us additional financial flexibility and complements our long-term growth strategy," said Bob Lefton, President and CEO of Odyssey. "Its team has a deep understanding of both the industry and our business, which made them true supporters in this venture."

Dallas-based Odyssey, which completed the acquisition of VistaCare on March 6, 2008, now operates approximately 110 Medicare-certified hospice care locations in 30 states that serve over 12,000 patients and their families daily.

"Odyssey is a longstanding customer with a proven industry track record," said Bob McCarrick, Senior Managing Director for GE Healthcare Financial Services. "Our team was excited to help Odyssey and underwrite the entire $160 million facility and create a tailored financing strategy that would enable the hospice provider to cement its category leadership."

About Odyssey HealthCare

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.

About GE Healthcare Financial Services

GE Healthcare Financial Services is the premier provider of capital, financial solutions, and related services for the global healthcare market. With a dedicated focus and a deep knowledge of the healthcare industry, GE Healthcare Financial Services offers a full range of financing capabilities from equipment leasing and real estate financing to working capital lending, vendor programs, and acquisition financing. GE Healthcare Financial Services collaborates with customers to create tailored financial solutions that help them improve their productivity and profitability. For more information, visit www.gehealthcarefinance.com.