Ziegler Closes $59 Million Covenant Retirement Communities Financing

Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful closing of a tax-exempt bank direct purchase for Covenant Retirement Communities (CRC). The direct purchase was completed by JP Morgan Chase and was structured as two series of bonds, $15,830,000 of Series A Bonds and $43,335,000 Series B Bonds, for a total aggregate par amount of $59,165,000 (Series 2011 Bonds).

The Series 2011 Bonds were the first multi-state issuance for the Illinois Finance Authority. The Illinois Finance Authority passed legislation allowing it to serve as a multi-state conduit issuer in July, 2010. The CRC financing is the first financing that has been approved and closed under the multi-state legislation. Ziegler, the IFA, and CRC are very excited to be the first transaction of what hopes to become a great resource to other multi-state providers. "The Illinois Finance Authority is proud to play a role in our State's first multi-state conduit transaction. Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly recognized that multi-state conduit issuance authority is an important tool to both retain and create jobs in Illinois. The IFA is pleased to work with Ziegler's professional team and, importantly, Covenant Retirement Communities, on this groundbreaking project," said Chris Meister, IFA Executive Director.

Proceeds from the Series 2011 Bonds were used to refund the outstanding Series 1999 (MI) Bonds, Series 1999 (CO) Bonds, Series 2004 Bonds, and Series 2006 Bonds, as well as provide CRC with more than $6 million of new money to pay for capital improvements for several CRC campuses in Colorado, Illinois, and Michigan. In addition to the issuance of the Series 2011 Bonds, Ziegler also worked closely with Covenant Retirement Communities on the replacement of two letters of credit for the Series 1992 and 1995 Bonds. Both the Series 1992 and 1995 Bonds will be secured by letters of credit from JP Morgan Chase.

Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc. (CRC) is an Illinois 501(c)(3) eligible corporation that owns and operates a system of continuing care communities offering the full continuum of care, in association with the Evangelical Covenant Church. The corporate office of CRC is located in Skokie, IL with facilities located in California, Washington, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, and Michigan. CRC currently has 14 communities with more than 4700 independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing units and is #5 on the LeadingAge Ziegler 100, a list of the largest not-for-profit senior living providers in the nation.

As one of the nation's leading underwriters of financing for non-profit senior living providers Ziegler offers investment banking, financial risk management, merger and acquisition services, investment management, seed capital, FHA/HUD, capital and strategic planning as well as senior living research, education, and communication. Don Carlson, Managing Director and Vice Chairman at Ziegler, commented, "The IFA multistate legislation provided a very cost effective and efficient process which allowed CRC to issue bonds to refund prior issues in Colorado, Michigan and Illinois and to fund new projects in each of these states as well. This transaction will further strengthen CRC's conservative capital structure, which will allow them to continue to provide the highest level of service to their residents. This transaction was truly a success on many fronts."

For further information on the structure and use of these issues, please see the Official Statements for the Series 1992 and Series 1995 Bonds located on the Electronic Municipal Market Access system's Document Archive.

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at www.Ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:

The Ziegler Companies, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: ZGCO) together with its affiliates (Ziegler) is a specialty investment bank with unique expertise in complex credit structures and advisory services. Nationally, Ziegler is ranked as one of the leading investment banking firms in its specialty sectors of healthcare, senior living, religion and education finance, as well as corporate finance and FHA/HUD. Headquartered in Chicago, IL with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler creates tailored financial solutions including bond financing, advisory, private placement, seed capital, M&A, risk and asset management. Ziegler serves institutional and individual investors through its wealth management and capital markets distribution channels.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client's experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

This communication does not constitute an offer to buy these securities. The offering is made only by the Official Statement and through an appropriately registered representative. The Series 2011 Bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Market value and/or accrued interest will fluctuate during the period held, and, if sold prior to maturity, the yield received may be more or less than the yield calculated at the time of purchase. Discounted yields herein are gross yields to maturity. Discounted bonds may be subject to capital gains tax, rates of which will vary, so investors should consult their own tax advisor with regard to their personal tax situation. Interest on municipal bonds may be exempt from federal income tax but may be subject to tax for residents of certain states. For bonds designated AMT, taxes may exist for certain investors. Ziegler will sell these bonds on a principal basis.

The corporation or its officers, directors, stockholders, or members of their families may at times have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may make purchases or sales of these securities. Not all call or put information is identified in the description above. Please be sure to discuss any special features with your Financial Advisor before deciding whether to invest in these securities.

Christine McCarty 312 596 1617 Email Contact