This morning, we announced that Renal Care Group has entered into an agreement to acquire National Nephrology Associates, Inc., (NNA). We expect to complete the acquisition on or before March 31, 2004. Over the next few days and weeks, our companies will work together under the direction of Renal Care Group's transition and integration teams, and we will communicate with you about the details of the transition plan.
The red and blue "swoosh" image in our logo is, by now, very familiar to you. It represents the exchange of blood that occurs in the dialysis process and it is also a fitting symbol of Renal Care Group's corporate culture, where we continually exchange ideas and information in fulfilling our mission to provide optimal care to ESRD patients. We listen to each other, learn from one another and, through this exchange, identify and implement best practices for our clinical and operational initiatives.
In the transition period and beyond, as we exchange ideas and information with NNA's associates, our primary objective is to stay focused on providing optimal care to our patients that we serve on a daily basis.
When the acquisition is complete, our combined company will serve almost 28,000 patients in more than 370 owned outpatient facilities, in addition to providing acute dialysis services at approximately 175 hospitals. Over 8,000 associates will provide services across our 30-state network.
This is an exciting time in our company's history and development. Thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility. We have always believed that everyone benefits when we stay true to our mission of providing optimal care for our patients. I know I can count on you to extend a warm welcome to the NNA associates.
