UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):  January 8, 2009

LHC GROUP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Delaware

 

8082

 

71-0918189

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

420 West Pinhook Rd., Suite A
Lafayette, LA 70503
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

(337) 233-1307
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


Item 8.01     Other Events

On January 8, 2009, LHC Group, Inc. (the “Company”) one of the largest providers of home nursing services in the United States, and New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System, announce a definitive agreement to enter into a joint home health venture allowing both organizations to better serve 1.6 million residents in southeast Louisiana.

The joint venture includes an LHC Group purchase of 75-percent of two home health agencies, currently owned by Ochsner, in Kenner and Raceland, Louisiana and an Ochsner purchase of 25-percent of three home health agencies, currently owned by LHC Group, in Houma, Lutcher and Hammond, Louisiana. The transaction is expected to close on February 1, 2009.

The combined net revenue for the agencies contributed by Ochsner for the most recent 12 months was approximately $8.5 million. The combined net revenue for the agencies contributed by LHC Group for the most recent 12 months was approximately $4.0 million.

Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits

(c)       Exhibits

EXHIBIT NO.   DESCRIPTION
 
99.1 Press Release dated January 8, 2009

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

LHC GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Peter J. Roman

Peter J. Roman

Senior Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer

 
 

Dated:

January 8, 2009


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT NO.

 

DESCRIPTION

99.1

Press Release dated January 8, 2009.