Merrill Gardens and Health Care REIT.
A strong past with an even stronger future.

Merrill Gardens is one of the nation’s top operators of independent and assisted living retirement communities, with a portfolio that reaches nine states. The company consists of 56 communities with the capacity to serve over 7,700 residents. A family-owned, private company, Merrill Gardens is built on a strong foundation of family, community, long-term commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.

Merrill Gardens was one of the first private senior living companies to focus on lifestyle. Its vision is to motivate seniors to recapture the vitality and interest in activities that make the return to maximum abilities possible. Since 1993, Bill Pettit, Merrill Gardens’ Chief Executive Officer, has been instrumental in the direction of the company. During that time, the company achieved rapid growth, timely execution of acquisitions, and developed the policies that speak to the Merrill Gardens commitment to quality.

Health Care REIT’s 15+ year relationship with Merrill Gardens began when Merrill Gardens acquired a small company in Health Care REIT’s portfolio. Health Care REIT transitioned seven communities to Merrill Gardens soon thereafter, eventually leading to Health Care REIT’s first RIDEA partnership. “Relationships with best-in-class operators such as Merrill Gardens differentiate our company through our industry knowledge, alignment of interests, trust and shared values,” says George Chapman, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Health Care REIT.

Merrill Gardens and Health Care REIT’s longstanding relationship is based on trust and a shared focus on growth and financial returns. “It’s a highly successful relationship for Health Care REIT and a true success story for Merrill Gardens,” says Bill Pettit. “This transformed the future for Merrill Gardens and allowed Health Care REIT to create new methods to work in the senior living industry, with the flexibility and creativity necessary to capitalize on the opportunities.”

“Health Care REIT is the perfect vehicle for privately held companies who want to stay private but have a partner that is a large, well-capitalized public company.”

Bill Pettit,
Chief Executive Officer,
Merrill Gardens