DaVita Inc. today announced that effective August 1, 2004, it has acquired dialysis centers in California and Georgia serving approximately 220 patients.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020729/DAVITALOGO )

The transactions include two centers located in Hemet and Mureitta, California. DaVita completed the acquisition through its affiliate, DaVita - Riverside, LLC, a joint venture co-owned by the physicians of Riverside County's Nephrology Associates Medical Group, Inc. (NAMG). Taher Khalil, M.D. and Dae Young Roh, M.D. of NAMG will serve as the medical directors for the Hemet and Murrieta centers, respectively.

John Robertson, M.D., senior partner in Nephrology Associates Medical Group, commented, "NAMG is excited about our DaVita joint venture. The acquisitions allow us to better serve our patients in Riverside County and facilitate our growth in partnership with DaVita, a dynamic, high quality dialysis provider."

DaVita also closed its transaction with Savannah Dialysis Specialists, LLC. This acquisition gives DaVita its first center in Savannah, Georgia with a beautiful center located in the historic district. James Bazemore, M.D. will serve as the center's Medical Director.

Kent Thiry, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DaVita, commented, "These acquisitions are very exciting for DaVita. We look forward to the opportunity to work with our long-time partners at NAMG in delivering quality care to a larger patient base in Riverside County. Similarly, we are excited about our new relationship with Dr. Bazemore in Savannah. With these outstanding physicians and the new teammates who have joined DaVita, we are committed to providing the highest level of service to the community and to having a positive impact on the patients and families we touch through our work."

DaVita is a leading provider of dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. The Company operates and provides administrative services to kidney dialysis centers and home peritoneal dialysis programs domestically in 35 states, as well as Washington, D.C. As of June 30, 2004, DaVita operates or provides administrative services to 592 outpatient facilities serving 50,000 patients.

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.