Ventas Grants Stock Awards to Promote Long-Term Retention and Reward P...( LOUISVILLE Ky. Dec. 5 /- Ventas I...),Health

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) ("Ventas" or the "Company") announced today that the Executive Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors has granted special restricted stock awards to certain executive officers to encourage their long-term retention and reward performance. The awards were granted to Raymond J. Lewis, the Company's Chief Investment Officer, Richard A. Schweinhart, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, and T. Richard Riney, the Company's Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel.

"Ray, Rick and Rick have been essential to Ventas's success. I am exceedingly happy that the Compensation Committee has recognized their significant contributions to the Company, and look forward to working with each of them in the coming years," said Ventas Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Debra A. Cafaro.

Mr. Lewis has been awarded 45,871 restricted shares of the Company's common stock, vesting one-third on the third anniversary of the date of grant, one-third on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant and one-third on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant. Messrs. Schweinhart and Riney each received 22,935 restricted shares of the Company's common stock, vesting on the same schedule.

Ventas, Inc. is a leading healthcare real estate investment trust. Its diverse portfolio of properties located in 43 states and two Canadian provinces includes seniors housing communities, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and medical office and other properties. More information about Ventas can be found on its website at http://www.ventasreit.com.

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding Ventas, Inc.'s ("Ventas" or the "Company") and its s
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