CHICAGO—American Realty Healthcare Trust's143-property portfolio is trading to Ventas in a$2.6-billion stock and cash deal, the two companies announcedMonday morning. Separately, Ventas is also buying a Canadianportfolio of independent living seniors housing communities fromHoliday Retirement for $900 million.

Debra A. Cafaro, CEO of Chicago-based Ventas,says the two portfolio acquisitions are “consistent with our statedstrategy to be the leading owner of healthcare and senior livingproperties globally, and position Ventas to continue to delivergrowth and consistent superior returns to our shareholders. Withthe addition of ARC Healthcare and the Canadian seniors housingcommunities, we are continuing our focus on private-pay assets,expanding our industry-leading MOB footprint and internationalpresence, and increasing our diversification while maintaining astrong credit profile and balance sheet.”

At ARC Healthcare REIT, executive chairman NicholasSchorsch says the sale to Ventas provides his company'sshareholders “a compelling premium to the company's listing, tenderoffer and five day volume weighted average price” prior to Monday'sannouncement. Additionally, Schorsch says, “It provides them theopportunity to participate in the future growth of what will becomethe largest, and in my view, best managed healthcare REIT and sixthlargest overall REIT in the country.”