ACQUISITIONS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Business Combinations [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS

3. ACQUISITIONS

We complete acquisitions from time to time in order to pursue our strategy of increasing our market presence by expanding our service base and enhancing our position in certain geographic areas as a leading provider of home health and hospice services. The purchase price paid for acquisitions is negotiated through arm's length transactions, with consideration based on our analysis of, among other things, comparable acquisitions and expected cash flows. Acquisitions are accounted for as purchases and are included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. Goodwill generated from acquisitions is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over tangible and identifiable intangible assets because of the expected contributions of the acquisitions to our overall corporate strategy. We typically engage outside appraisal firms to assist in the fair value determination of identifiable intangible assets. Preliminary purchase price allocation is adjusted, as necessary, up to one year after the acquisition closing date if management obtains more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed.

On March 1, 2016, we acquired Associated Home Care for a total purchase price of $27.7 million, net of cash acquired (subject to certain adjustments), of which $0.5 million was placed in escrow for indemnification purposes and working capital price adjustments. The purchase price was paid with cash on hand on the date of the transaction. Associated Home Care owns and operates9care centers servicing the state of Massachusetts. Based on our preliminary purchase price allocation, in connection with the acquisition, we recorded goodwill ($23.5million) and other assets and liabilities, net ($4.2million). The purchase price allocation is pending finalization of the report from our outside appraisal firm and the impact on goodwill and other intangibles.