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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2011October 17, 2014

Registration No. 333-[    •    ]333-198789


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


Form

Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



VENTAS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware679861-1055020

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 6798
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 61-1055020
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)Number)

353 N. Clark Street, Suite 3300
Chicago, Illinois 60654
(877) 483-6827

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)



T. Richard Riney, Esq.
General Counsel
Ventas, Inc.
10350 Ormsby Park Place, Suite 300
Louisville, Kentucky 40223
(502) 357-9000

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)



111 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 4800
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(877) 483-6827
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)With copies to:
T. Richard Riney, Esq.
General Counsel
Ventas, Inc.
10350 Ormsby Park Place, Suite 300
Louisville, Kentucky 40223
(502) 357-9000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Robin Panovka, Esq.
Trevor S. Norwitz,Ronald C. Chen, Esq.
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
(212) 403-1000

 

Douglas M. PasqualeThomas P. D'Arcy
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board
Nationwide Health Properties,American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.
610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1150405 Park Avenue
Newport Beach, California 92660New York, New York 10022
(949) 718-4400(212) 415-6500

 

Brian J. McCarthy,Peter M. Fass, Esq.
JonathanSteven L. Friedman,Lichtenfeld, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate,Daniel Ganitsky, Esq.
Meagher & FlomProskauer Rose LLP
300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 3400Eleven Times Square
Los Angeles, California 90071New York, New York 10036
(213) 687-5000(212) 969-3000



Approximate date of commencement of the proposed sale of the securities to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and upon completion of the merger described in the enclosed document.herein.

          If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.    o

          If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, of 1933, as amended, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ý Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller
reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company o

          If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE          Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)    o

        
 
Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered

 Amount to
be Registered(1)

 Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share(2)

 Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(3)

 Amount of
Registration Fee(4)

 

Common Stock, par value $0.25 per share

 103,107,047 N/A $5,501,401,914 $638,713

 

(1)
This number is based on (a)(i) 126,639,074 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. ("NHP") outstanding as of April 8, 2011, (ii) 1,766,673 shares of NHP common stock reserved for issuance under various NHP plans as of such date, and (iii) 2,673,641 shares of NHP common stock reserved for issuance upon redemption of Class A Partnership Units of NHP/PMB L.P. multiplied by (b) the exchange ratio of 0.7866 shares of common stock, par value $0.25 per share, of the Registrant for each share of NHP common stock.

(2)
Not included pursuant to          Exchange Act Rule 457(o).

(3)
The registration fee has been computed pursuant to Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(f)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee based on the average of the high and low prices for shares of NHP common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on April 7, 2011 ($41.97 per share) multiplied by the maximum number of such shares (131,079,388) that may be exchanged for the securities being registered.

(4)
The registration fee for the securities registered hereby has been calculated pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933.
14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Issuer Third Party Tender Offer)    o

          The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such datesdate as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.


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Information contained hereinThe information in this proxy statement/prospectus is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securitiesthe shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in connection with the merger has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy these securities be accepted, prior to the timeuntil the registration statement becomesfiled with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This document shallproxy statement/prospectus is not constitute an offer to sell or thethese securities nor should it be considered a solicitation of anyan offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which suchwhere the offer solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.is not permitted.

PRELIMINARY—SUBJECT TO COMPLETION—COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 11, 2011

LOGOLOGO

MERGER PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANTOCTOBER 17, 2014

         The boardPROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

LOGO

To the Stockholders of directors ofAmerican Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.:

          Ventas, Inc., which we refer to as Ventas, and the board of directors of Nationwide Health Properties,American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc., which we refer to as NHP,HCT, have approved aentered into an agreement and plan of merger agreement, dated as of February 27, 2011,June 1, 2014, as it may be amended from time to time, which we refer to as the merger agreement and a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by reference. The merger agreement provides for the merger of NHPHCT with and into a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas. As a resultVentas, at which time the separate existence of HCT will cease. We refer to the foregoing transaction as the merger. The merger agreement also provides for the merger of an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas with and into American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust Operating Partnership, L.P., which we refer to as HCT OP, with HCT OP continuing as the surviving partnership.

          Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement, at the effective time of the merger, each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of HCT issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (other than shares held by HCT, Ventas or any of their respective wholly owned subsidiaries, which will acquire NHP and its subsidiaries.

         If the merger is completed, NHP stockholdersbe cancelled) will havebe converted into the right to receive, 0.7866pursuant to an election made by the holder of such stock, subject to proration as described below: (i) $11.33 in cash; or (ii) 0.1688 shares of Ventas common stock, par value $0.25 per share. In no event will the aggregate consideration paid in cash be paid on more than 10% of the shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the consummation of the merger (including restricted shares). If the aggregate elections for payment in cash exceed such limit, then the amount of cash consideration paid with respect to cash elections will be reduced on a pro rata basis, with the remaining consideration paid in shares of Ventas common stock. Non-electing stockholders will receive 0.1688 shares of Ventas common stock for each share of NHPHCT common stock they own at closing, with cash paid in lieuheld by such holder. Under the merger agreement, (i) each restricted share of fractional shares. This exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted to reflectHCT common stock price changesoutstanding immediately prior to closingthe effective time of the merger. Ventas common stockmerger will, immediately prior to such effective time, vest in full and, NHP common stock are both listedat such effective time, be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration determined in accordance with the merger agreement and traded on(ii) each limited partnership unit in HCT OP outstanding immediately prior to the New York Stock Exchange, undereffective time of the ticker symbols "VTR" and "NHP," respectively. Based onmerger of HCT OP will be converted into 0.1688 units of a newly created class of limited partnership units of the closing pricesurviving partnership. Subject to the terms of the limited partnership agreement of the surviving partnership, each limited partnership unit of the surviving partnership will be redeemable for one share of Ventas common stock, onor, at the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, on February 25, 2011, the last trading day before public announcementelection of Ventas, an equivalent amount in cash.The value of the merger, the exchange ratio of 0.7866 represented approximately $44.99 in Ventas common stock for each share of NHP common stock. Based on the Ventas closing price on [    •    ], 2011, the 0.7866 exchange ratio represented approximately $[    •    ] in Ventas common stock for each share of NHP common stock. Ventas stockholders will continue to own their existing Ventas shares.The valuecomponent of the merger consideration will fluctuate with changes in the market price of Ventas common stock. We urge you to obtain current market quotations of Ventas common stock and NHP common stock.

         Based on the number of shares of NHP common stock outstanding on the record date for the stockholder meetings, Ventas expects to issue approximately [    •    ] shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in the merger, and expects to reserve approximately [    •    ] additional shares of Ventas common stock for issuance in connection with equity awards and other arrangements that Ventas will assume in connection with the merger. Upon completion of the merger, we estimate that current Ventas stockholders will own approximately 65% of the combined company and former NHP stockholders will own approximately 35% of the combined company.

         At the special meeting of Ventas stockholders, Ventas stockholders will be asked to vote to approve the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and an amendment to the Ventas charter to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock, which approvals are necessary to effectis listed on the merger. AtNew York Stock Exchange under the special meeting of NHP stockholders, NHP stockholders will be asked to vote to adopt the merger agreementsymbol "VTR," and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

         We cannot complete the merger unless the stockholders of both of our companies approve the respective proposals related to the merger.Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you expect to attend the Ventas or NHP special meeting, as applicable, in person, please vote your shares as promptly as possible by (1) accessing the Internet website specified on your proxy card, (2) calling the toll-free number specified on your proxy card, or (3) signing and returning all proxy cards that you receive in the postage-paid envelope provided, so that your shares may be represented and voted at the Ventas or NHP special meeting, as applicable. If you are an NHP stockholder, please note that a failure to vote your shares is the equivalent of a vote against the merger. If you are a Ventas stockholder, please note that a failure to vote your shares is equivalent to a vote against the issuance of shares of Ventasfor HCT common stock, to NHP stockholders in connection withwhich is quoted on the merger andNasdaq Global Select Market under the Ventas charter amendment to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock.symbol "HCT."

The Ventas board of directors unanimously recommends that the Ventas stockholders vote "FOR" the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and "FOR" the Ventas charter amendment to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock. The NHP board of directors unanimously recommends that the NHP stockholders vote "FOR" the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

          The obligations of Ventas and NHPHCT to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of several conditions set forth in the merger agreement, including approval of the merger by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of HCT common stock outstanding as of the record date (described below). Accordingly, at the special meeting of HCT stockholders, HCT stockholders will be asked to consider and vote on: (i) a proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; and (ii) a proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger.

          The record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the HCT special meeting is the close of business on [                        ], 2014. Approval of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of HCT common stock entitled to vote on such proposal. Approval of the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on such proposal.

The HCT board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, HCT and its stockholders and (ii) approved the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and, therefore, unanimously recommends that HCT stockholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and "FOR" the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger.

Your vote is important.    Whether or not you expect to attend the HCT special meeting in person, please authorize a proxy to vote your shares as promptly as possible by completing, signing, dating and mailing your proxy card in the pre-addressed postage-paid envelope provided or authorizing your proxy by one of the other methods specified in this proxy statement/prospectus or the accompanying notice. If your shares of common stock are held in "street name" by your broker or other nominee, only your broker or other nominee can vote your shares and the vote cannot be cast unless you provide instructions to your broker or other nominee on how to vote or you obtain a legal proxy from your broker or other nominee. You should follow the directions provided by your broker or other nominee regarding how to instruct your broker or other nominee to vote your shares. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted.

          Authorizing a proxy will ensure that your shares are represented and voted at the special meeting if you do not attend in person. Please note that a failure to vote your shares will have the same effect as a vote against the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. More

          This proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about Ventas, NHPHCT, HCT's special meeting, the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger is contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.agreement.Ventas and NHPWe encourage you to read this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully before voting, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 16.26.

         We look forward to the successful combination of Ventas and NHP.[                        ], 2014

 Sincerely,Sincerely,

 

SIG


SIGGRAPHIC

 


Debra A. CafaroThomas P. D'Arcy
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Ventas, Inc.


Douglas M. Pasquale
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer

Nationwide Health Properties,American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.

          Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, nor any state securities commissionregulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the merger or the securities to be issued under this joint proxy statement/prospectus or determined thathas passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or complete.prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

          This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated [                        •    ], 20112014 and is first being mailed to theHCT stockholders of Ventas and stockholders of NHP on or about [                        •    ], 2011.2014.


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LOGOAmerican Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.

Ventas, Inc.405 Park Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, New York 10022
(212) 415-6500

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held OnTO BE HELD ON [            •    ], 20112014

DearTo the Stockholders of Ventas,American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.:

        We are pleased to invite you to attend theA special meeting of the stockholders of Ventas,American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc., a DelawareMaryland corporation, which we refer to as HCT, will be held at [                    •    ], on [                    •    ], 2011,2014, commencing at [            •    ],] a.m., local time, to consider and vote uponon the following matters:

        Please refer to the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus for further information with respect to theWe will not transact any other business to be transacted at the Ventas special meeting.

        Holders Only holders of record of shares of VentasHCT common stock at the close of business on [                    •    ], 20112014 are entitled to receive notice of, and may vote at, the special meeting and any adjournments of the special meeting.

        The proposals to approve the issuance of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders and the Ventas charter amendment each require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock. The merger cannot be completed without the approval by Ventas stockholders of both of these proposals. A proposal to adjourn the Ventas special meeting would require the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Ventas common stock represented, in person or by proxy, at the Ventas special meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you expect to attend the Ventas special meeting in person, we urge you to vote your shares as promptly as possible by (1) accessing the Internet website specified on your proxy card, (2) calling the toll-free number specified on your proxy card, or (3) signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, so that your shares may be represented and voted at the Ventas special meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other fiduciary, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the record holder of your shares.

By Order of the Board of Directors,



SIG



Debra A. Cafaro
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Chicago, Illinois
[    •    ], 2011


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LOGO

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On [    •    ], 2011

Dear Stockholders of Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.:

        We are pleased to invite you to attend a special meeting of stockholders of Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation, which will be held at [    •    ], on [    •    ], 2011, at [    •    ] local time, to consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 27, 2011, by and among Ventas, its wholly owned subsidiary, Needles Acquisition LLC, and NHP, as such agreement may be amended from time to time, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus accompanying this notice, and approve the merger of NHP with and into Needles Acquisition LLC and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

        Please refer to the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus for further information with respect to the proposal to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger and approve the merger of NHP with and into Needles Acquisition LLC and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

        Holders of record of shares of NHP common stock at the close of business on [    •    ], 2011 are entitled to vote at, the HCT special meeting.

        TheApproval of the proposal to adoptapprove the Agreement and Plan of Merger and approvemerger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Mergermerger agreement requires the affirmative vote of record holders of two-thirdsat least a majority of the outstanding shares of NHPHCT common stock.stock entitled to vote on such proposal.

        Approval of the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on such proposal.

        YourThe HCT board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, HCT and its stockholders and (ii) approved the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and, therefore, unanimously recommends that you vote is important."FOR" the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and "FOR" the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger.


YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

        Whether or not you expectplan to attend the NHP special meeting in person, we urge you toplease vote your shares as promptly as possible by (1) accessing the Internet website specified oncompleting, signing, dating and mailing your proxy card (2)in the pre-addressed postage-paid envelope provided or, if the option is available to you, calling the toll-free telephone number specifiedlisted on your proxy card or (3) signing and returningaccessing the Internet website described in the instructions on the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, soto authorize your proxy. Authorizing a proxy will assure that your shares may beare represented and voted at the NHP special meeting. if you do not attend in person. If your shares of HCT common stock are held in the name of a bank,"street name" by your broker or other fiduciary,nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnisheddirections provided by your broker or other nominee regarding how to instruct the record holder.holder to vote your shares. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted. Please review the proxy statement/prospectus accompanying this notice for more complete information regarding the merger and the special meeting of HCT stockholders.

By order of the Board of Directors,



SIG



Douglas M. Pasquale
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

Newport Beach, CaliforniaBy Order of the Board of Directors of American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.
New York, New York
[                    •    ], 20112014

Edward M. Weil, Jr.
Secretary


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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference important business and financial information about Ventas and NHPabout HCT from other documents filed with the SEC that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 127.

        This information is available to you without charge upon yourwritten or oral request. You can obtain the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them from Ventas's or NHP's proxy solicitor in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at the following addresses and telephone numbers:

if you are a Ventas stockholder:American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc. if you are an NHP stockholder:Ventas, Inc.

Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 MadisonAttention: Secretary
Attention: Corporate Secretary
405 Park Avenue,
15th Floor
353 North Clark Street, Suite 3300
New York, New York 10022

Stockholders call toll-free:
Chicago, Illinois 60654
(212) 415-6500(877) 750-9501
Banks and brokers call collect:
(212) 750-5833483-6827
http://www.archealthcaretrust.com
 

MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
105 Madison Avenue
17th Floor
New York, New York 10016
(212) 929-5500 (call collect)
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
or
CALL TOLL-FREE (800) 322-2885http://www.ventasreit.com

        Investors may also consult Ventas's or NHP's website for more information concerning        Information contained on the merger described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Ventas's websitewebsites specified above iswww.ventasreit.com. NHP's website iswww.nhp-reit.com. Additional information is available atwww.sec.gov. Information included on these websites is expressly not incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

        If you would likeYou may also request information from American National Stock Transfer, LLC, an entity under common ownership with HCT, which we refer to request copiesas ANST, or [                    ], HCT's proxy solicitor, which we refer to as [            ], at the following addresses and telephone numbers:

[                    ]American National Stock Transfer, LLC
405 Park Avenue, Concourse Level
New York, New York 10022

For Questions, HCT


For Questions, HCT
Stockholders May Call: [    ]Stockholders May Call: [    ]
Banks and Brokers Call Collect: [    ]Banks and Brokers Call Collect: [    ]

To receive timely delivery of anythe requested documents please do so by [    •    ], 2011 in order to receive them beforeadvance of the special meetings.

For more information, see "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131.meeting, please make your request no later than [              ], 2014.


ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

        This joint proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed by Ventas with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, by Ventas (File No. 333-[    •    ]), constitutes a prospectus of Ventas under Section 5for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (whichwhich we refer to as the Securities Act),Act, with respect to the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued to NHPHCT stockholders as required by the Agreement and Planin exchange for shares of Merger, dated as of February 27, 2011, by and among Ventas, Needles Acquisition LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas, and NHP, as such agreement may be amended from timeHCT common stock pursuant to time and which we refer to as the merger agreement. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this jointThis proxy statement/prospectus. This documentprospectus also constitutes a joint proxy statement under Section 14(a)of HCT for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (whichwhich we refer to as the Exchange Act). It also constitutes a notice of meeting with respect to the special meeting of Ventas stockholdersAct, and a notice of meeting with respect to the special meeting of NHP stockholders, at which Ventas stockholders and NHP stockholders will be asked to vote upon certain proposals to approve the merger of NHP with and into Needles Acquisition LLC and certain related matters.HCT stockholders.

        You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from that contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated [              •    ], 2011.2014. You should not assume that the information contained in orthis proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any other date, nor should you assume that the information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of those documents.such incorporated document. Neither our mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to Ventas stockholders or NHPHCT stockholders nor the issuance by Ventas of shares of its common stock in connection withto HCT stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement will create any implication to the contrary.

ii


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        This joint proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction in which or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. Information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding Ventas has been provided by Ventas and information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding NHPHCT has been provided by NHP.HCT.

iii


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 Page

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 vii1

SUMMARY

 
18

The Companies

 18

The Merger and the Merger Agreement

 39

Election Procedures

 10

Litigation RelatingRecommendation of the HCT Board

11

Summary of Risk Factors Related to the Merger

 711

TheHCT Special MeetingsMeeting

 711

Opinion of HCT's Financial Advisor

 12

Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers of HCT

12

Certain Fees and Expense Reimbursements Payable in Connection with the Merger

12

Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

13

Termination of Certain Agreements

14

Listing of Shares of Ventas Common Stock

14

No Stockholder Appraisal Rights of NHP Stockholders Will Change as a Resultin the Merger

14

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

 914

Risk FactorsRegulatory Approvals Required for the Merger

 915

No Solicitation and Change in Recommendation

15

Termination

15

Break-up Fee and Expense Reimbursement

16

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

17

Accounting Treatment of the Merger

17

Comparison of Rights of Ventas Stockholders and HCT Stockholders

17

Litigation Related to the Merger

17

Selected Historical Financial DataInformation of Ventas

 1018

Selected Historical Financial DataInformation of NHPHCT

 1219

Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

 1321

Equivalent andUnaudited Comparative Per Share Information

 1523

Comparative Ventas and HCT Market Price and Dividend Information

24

RISK FACTORS

 
1626

Risk Factors Relating to the Merger

 1626

Risk Factors Relating to Ventas Following the Merger

 19
 31

Operational Risks

 19

Legal Risks

21

REIT Risks

21

Ventas and NHP Face Other Risks

22

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDINGCONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 
2334

THE COMPANIES

 
2537

Ventas, Inc. 

 37

Stripe Sub, LLC

37

Stripe OP, LP

37

American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc. 

38

Recent Transactions by Ventas

 2538

NHPVentas Unaudited Pro Forma Portfolio Information

 26
 39

Needles Acquisition LLC

 26

THE VENTASHCT SPECIAL MEETING

 
2741

Date, Time, Place and Place

27

Purpose of the VentasHCT Special Meeting

 2741

Recommendation of the HCT Board of Directors of Ventas

 2741

Ventas Record Date; Stock Entitled toWho Can Vote at the HCT Special Meeting

 2741

Vote Required for Approval; Quorum

 28
 41

Required Vote

 28

Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

 2842

Voting at the Special MeetingManner of Authorizing Proxy

 28
 42

Voting in Person

 28

Voting of Proxies

28

Shares Held in Street Name"Street Name"

 29
 43

Revocability of Proxies or Voting Instructions

 29

Solicitation of Proxies

30

VENTAS PROPOSALS


31

PROPOSAL 1: APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF VENTAS COMMON STOCK

31

PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF THE VENTAS CHARTER AMENDMENT

32

PROPOSAL 3: ADJOURNMENT OF THE VENTAS SPECIAL MEETING

33

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 Page

THE NHP SPECIAL MEETING

34

Date, Time and Place

34

Purpose of the NHP Special Meeting

34

Recommendation of the Board of Directors of NHP

34

NHP Record Date; Stock Entitled to Vote

34

Quorum

34

Required Vote

34

Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

35

Voting at the Special Meeting

35

Voting in Person

35

Voting of Proxies

35

Shares Held in Street Name

35

Revocability Revocation of Proxies or Voting Instructions

 3643

Tabulation of the Votes

43

Solicitation of Proxies

 3643

NHP PROPOSALPROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO HCT STOCKHOLDERS

 
3744

PROPOSAL: ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE MERGERMerger Proposal

 3744

Recommendation of the HCT Board

44

Advisory Vote Regarding Merger-Related Compensation

44

Recommendation of the HCT Board

44

THE MERGER

 
3845

Effects of the Merger

 3845

Background of the Merger

 3845

Recommendation of the HCT Board and Its Reasons for the Merger

53

Ventas's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation by the Ventas Board of DirectorsMerger

 46
 56

NHP's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation by the NHP Board of Directors

 48

Opinion of Ventas'sHCT's Financial Advisor

 5157

OpinionCertain Unaudited Prospective Financial Information of NHP's Financial AdvisorHCT

 5665

Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers of HCT

 67

Financial Certain Fees and Expense Reimbursements Payable in Connection with the Merger

68

Interests of NHP'sHCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

 65

Board of Directors and Management Following the Merger

 68
 

Accounting Treatment

68

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger

 6871

Litigation Relating to the MergerAccounting Treatment

 69
 71

Exchange of Shares in the Merger

 70

Dividends

70

Listing of Ventas Common Stock

 71
 

De-Listing and Deregistration of NHPHCT Common Stock

 71
 

Arrangements BetweenRestrictions on Sales of Shares of Ventas and NHP Prior toCommon Stock Received in the Merger

 71
 

No Appraisal RightsTHE MERGER AGREEMENT

 7172

Certain Ventas Financial InformationForm, Effective Time and Consummation of the Merger

 7172

Partnership Merger

 72

Certain NHP Financial InformationConsideration to Be Received in the Merger

 73

Representations and Warranties

 76

TheDefinition of "Material Adverse Effect"

78

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

79

Covenants and Agreements

81

Termination of the Merger Agreement

 7593

Miscellaneous Provisions

96

First Amendment to the Merger Agreement

96

MATERIAL UNITED STATESU.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER

 
97
 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

 98

LITIGATION RELATED TO THE MERGER

101

NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS

102

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
100103

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetCOMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF VENTAS STOCKHOLDERS AND HCT STOCKHOLDERS

 102117

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of IncomeGeneral

 103117

NotesCertain Differences between the Rights of Ventas Stockholders and Management's Assumptions to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsHCT Stockholders

 104117

DESCRIPTION OF VENTAS, INC. CAPITAL STOCK

124

Authorized Capital Stock

124

Description of Ventas Common Stock

124

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions

124

Transfer Agent and Registrar

125

New York Stock Exchange Listing

125

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

126

HCT 2015 Annual Stockholder Meeting and Stockholder Proposals

126

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 Page

COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

114

Market Prices and Dividend Data

114

DESCRIPTION OF VENTAS CAPITAL STOCK


116

Authorized Capital Stock

116

Description of Ventas Common Stock

116

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions

116

Transfer Agent and Registrar

117

New York Stock Exchange Listing

117

COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF VENTAS STOCKHOLDERS AND NHP STOCKHOLDERS


118

Authorized Capital Stock

118

Cumulative Voting and Election of Directors

119

Size of the Board of Directors

119

Staggered Boards and Term of Directors

120

Removal of Directors

120

Vacancies on the Board of Directors

120

Standard of Conduct for Directors

120

Amendment of Charter and Bylaws

121

Stockholder Action Without a Meeting

122

Special Stockholder Meetings

122

Stockholder Proposals

122

Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers

123

Indemnification

123

Dividends

125

Stockholder Rights; Stockholder Lists

125

Merger Approval

126

Business Combinations

126

Control Share Acquisitions

127

Stockholder Rights Plan

128

Appraisal Rights

128

Constituency and Related Provisions

129

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS


130

LEGAL MATTERS

 
130126

EXPERTS

 
130126

Ventas

 130
 126

Atria

 130

NHP

131

OTHER MATTERSHCT

 
131126

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATIONINFORMATION; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 
131127

ANNEX A: MERGER AGREEMENTAnnex A—Agreement and Plan of Merger

 
A-1

ANNEX B: FORM OF AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF VENTAS,  INC. Annex B—First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger

 B-1

ANNEX C: OPINION OF CENTERVIEW PARTNERS LLCAnnex C—Opinion of Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

 C-1

ANNEX D: OPINION OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

 D-1

PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


II-1

SIGNATURES

II-5

EXHIBIT INDEX


II-7

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

        The following are answers to some questions that you as a stockholder of Ventas or NHP, may have regarding the merger and the other mattersproposals being considered at the stockholder meetings of Ventas and NHP. Ventas and NHPHCT special meeting. We urge you to read carefully this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the remainder ofAnnexes, and the other documents referred to or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus because the information in this section does not provide all of the information that might be important to youyou.

Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, in this proxy statement/prospectus: all references to HCT are to American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, together with respectits subsidiaries; all references to Ventas are to Ventas, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries; all references to Merger Sub or the surviving company are to Stripe Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas; all references to OP Merger Sub are to Stripe OP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas; all references to HCT OP or the surviving partnership are to American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership; all references to the merger agreement are to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 1, 2014, by and among Ventas, Merger Sub, OP Merger Sub, HCT OP and HCT, as it may be amended from time to time, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by reference; all references to the merger are to the merger of HCT with and into Merger Sub pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement; all references to the partnership merger are to the merger of OP Merger Sub with and into HCT OP pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement; and all references to the mergers are to the merger and the other matters being considered atpartnership merger, collectively.

Q:
What is the special meetings. Additional important information is also contained in the annexes to and the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.proposed transaction?

References to "we" or "our" and other similar references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus refer to both Ventas and NHP before completion of the merger.

Q:    Why am I receiving this joint proxy statement/prospectus?

A:
Ventas and NHPHCT have agreedentered into a merger agreement that provides for the merger of HCT with and into Stripe Sub, LLC, which we refer to as Merger Sub, with Merger Sub surviving the merger as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas. Immediately after the merger, Stripe OP, LP, which we refer to as OP Merger Sub, will merge with and into HCT OP, with HCT OP surviving the partnership merger and Merger Sub as its sole general partner.

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    If your shares of HCT common stock are held through a broker or other nominee and you desire to change your vote or vote in person, you should contact your broker or other nominee for instructions on how to do so.

Q:
you can attend yourWhat should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials for the HCT special meeting?

A:
You may receive more than one set of voting materials for the HCT special meeting, in person.

Q:    If I am an NHP stockholder that holds certificated sharesincluding multiple copies of NHP common stock, do I need to do anything now with my common stock certificates?

A:
No. After the merger is completed,this proxy statement/prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold certificates representingyour shares of NHPHCT common stock in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares of HCT common stock. If you are a holder of record and your shares of HCT common stock are registered in more than one name, you may receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive or, if available, please authorize your proxy by telephone or over the Internet.

Q:
Should I send in my HCT stock certificates now?

A:
No, pleaseDO NOT send in any stock certificates now. As described elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus, you should mail your stock certificates, along with the properly completed form of election, to the exchange agent prior to the merger, Ventas's exchange agentelection deadline. HCT and Ventas will send you a letter of transmittalpublicly announce the anticipated election deadline not more than 15 business days before, and instructions for exchanging your shares of NHP common stock for shares of Ventas common stock. Upon surrender ofat least five business days prior to, the certificates for cancellation along with the executed letter of transmittal and other required documents described in the instructions, you will receive whole shares of Ventas common stock and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Ventas common stock. Unless you specifically request to receive Ventas stock certificates, the shares of Ventas common stock you receive in the merger will be issued in book-entry form.election deadline.

Q:    If I am an NHP stockholder that holds shares of NHP common stock in book-entry form, do I need to do anything now with respect to my book-entry shares?

    No. Upon completion of the merger, shares of NHP common stock held in book-entry form will be automatically converted into whole shares of Ventas common stock in book-entry form and the exchange agent will deliver to holders of book-entry shares cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Ventas common stock.

Q:    If I am a Ventas stockholder, do I need to do anything with respect to my common stock certificates or book-entry shares?

A:
No, you are not required to take any action with respect to your Ventas shares.

Q:    Do I need identification to attend the Ventas or NHP meeting in person?

A:
Yes. Please bring proper identification, together with proof that you are a record owner of Ventas or NHP common stock, as the case may be. If your shares are held in street name, please bring acceptable proof of ownership, such as a letter from your broker or an account statement showing that you beneficially owned shares of Ventas or NHP common stock, as applicable, on the record date.

Q:    Who can help answer my questions?



A:
If you have any questions about the merger or the other mattershow to be voted on at the special meetingsauthorize your proxy, or desireneed additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, or additionalthe enclosed proxy card or voting instruction cards, pleaseinstructions, you should contact:

American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.
Attention: Secretary
405 Park Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, New York 10022
(212) 415-6500
http://www.archealthcaretrust.com

        You can also contact the proxy solicitor hired by HCT as follows:

[            ]

For Questions, HCT
Stockholders May Call: (    ) - [            ]
Banks and Brokers Call Collect: (    ) - [            ]

To Vote Toll-Free, HCT Stockholders May Call: (    ) - [            ]

if you are a Ventas stockholder:if you are an NHP stockholder:


Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022

Stockholders call toll-free:
(877) 750-9501
Banks and brokers call collect:
(212) 750-5833


MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
105 Madison Avenue
17th Floor
New York, New York 10016
(212) 929-5500 (call collect)
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
or
CALL TOLL-FREE (800) 322-2885

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SUMMARY

        ThisThe following summary highlights some of the information contained elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus andprospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you. For a more complete description of the merger agreement, the merger, and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, Ventas and NHP urgeHCT encourage you to read carefully the remainder of this jointentire proxy statement/prospectus, including the attached annexes,Annexes. Ventas and HCT also encourage you to read the other documents toinformation incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, which includes important business and financial information about Ventas and HCT that has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we have referred you because this section does not provide allrefer to as the SEC. You may obtain the information that might be important to you with respect toincorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, without charge, by following the merger and the related matters being considered at the applicable special meeting. See alsoinstructions in the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131. We have included page references to direct you to a more complete description of the topics presented in this summary.Information; Incorporation by Reference."


The Companies (See page 37)

Ventas, Inc. (See page 25)37)

Ventas, Inc.
111 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 4800
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(877) 483-6827

        Ventas, together with its subsidiaries, is a real estate investment trust, which we refer to as a REIT, with a geographically diversehighly diversified portfolio of seniors housing and healthcare properties inlocated throughout the United States, Canada and Canada.the United Kingdom. As of June 30, 2014, Ventas owned nearly 1,500 properties, including seniors housing communities, medical office buildings, which we refer to as MOBs, skilled nursing and other facilities, and hospitals, and it had two new properties under development. Ventas is an S&P 500 company, and its common stock is listed on the NYSE.

        Ventas primarily acquires and owns seniors housing and healthcare properties and leases them to unaffiliated tenants or operates them through independent third-party managers. As of June 30, 2014, Ventas leased a total of 906 properties (excluding MOBs and properties classified as held for sale) to various healthcare operating companies under "triple-net" or "absolute-net" leases that obligate the tenants to pay all property-related expenses, including maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures, and engaged independent operators, such as Atria Senior Living, Inc., which we refer to as Atria, and Sunrise Senior Living, LLC, which we refer to, together with its subsidiaries, as Sunrise, to manage a total of 241 of Ventas's seniors housing communities pursuant to long-term management agreements. Ventas's two largest tenants, Brookdale Senior Living Inc. and Kindred Healthcare, Inc., leased from Ventas 145 properties (excluding six properties included in investments in unconsolidated entities) and 99 properties, respectively, as of June 30, 2014.

        Through its Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc. subsidiary and its ownership interest in PMB Real Estate Services LLC, Ventas also provides MOB management, leasing, marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated hospitals and health systems throughout the United States. In addition, from time to time, Ventas makes secured and unsecured loans and other investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare operators or properties.

        Ventas was incorporated in Kentucky in 1983, commenced operations in 1985 and reorganized as a Delaware corporation in 1987. Ventas operates through three reportable business segments: triple-net leased properties, senior living operations and medical office building, or MOB operations.

        As of December 31, 2010, Ventas's portfolio consisted of 602 assets: 240 seniors housing communities, 187 skilled nursing facilities, 40 hospitals and 135 medical office buildings, and other properties in 43 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. With the exception of Ventas's seniors housing communities thatprincipal executive offices are managed by independent third parties, such as Sunrise, pursuant to long-term management agreements and certain of its MOBs, including those acquired in connection with Ventas's acquisition of Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc. (which we refer to as Lillibridge), Ventas leases its properties to healthcare operating companies under "triple-net" or "absolute-net" leases, which require the tenants to pay all property-related expenses. Ventas also had real estate loan and other investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare companies or properties as of December 31, 2010.

        Ventas's primary business consists of acquiring, financing and owning seniors housing and healthcare properties and leasing those properties to third parties or operating those properties through independent third-party managers. Through its Lillibridge subsidiary, Ventas also provides management, leasing, marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated hospitals and health systems throughout the United States.

        In October 2010, Ventas signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the real estate assets of privately owned Atria Senior Living Group, Inc., which, together with its affiliates (including One Lantern Senior Living Inc), we refer to as Atria, for a total purchase price of $3.1 billion, comprised of $1.35 billion of Ventas common stock (a fixed 24.96 million shares), $150 million in cash and the assumption or repayment of $1.6 billion of net debt. We refer to the acquisition of substantially all of the real estate assets of Atria as the Atria Acquisition. Ventas will acquire from Atria 118 private pay seniors housing communities located primarily in affluent coastal markets such as the New York metropolitan area, New England and California. Atria, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is owned by private equity funds managed by Lazard Real Estate Partners LLC, which we refer to as LREP. Prior to the closing, Atria will spin off its management company, which will continue to operate the acquired


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assets under long-term management agreements with Ventas. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain conditions. Ventas expects to complete the transaction in the first half of 2011, although Ventas cannot assure you that the transaction will close on such timetable or at all.

        Additional information about Ventas353 N. Clark Street, Suite 3300, Chicago, Illinois 60654, and its subsidiariestelephone number is included in documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131.

NHP (See page 26)

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.
610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1150
Newport Beach, California 92660
Telephone: (949) 718-4400(877) 483-6827.

        NHP, a Maryland corporation incorporated on October 14, 1985, is a REIT that, together with its subsidiaries, invests in healthcare-related real estate, primarily senior housing, long-term care properties and medical office buildings.

        NHP's operations are organized into two segments—triple-net leases and multi-tenant leases. In the triple-net leases segment, NHP invests in healthcare-related properties and leases the facilities to unaffiliated tenants under "triple-net" and generally "master" leases that transfer the obligation for all facility operating costs (including maintenance, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures) to the tenant. In the multi-tenant leases segment, NHP invests in healthcare related properties that have several tenants under separate leases in each building, thus requiring active management and responsibility for many of the associated operating expenses (although many of these are, or can effectively be, passed through to the tenants). During 2010, 2009 and 2008, the multi-tenant leases segment was comprised exclusively of MOBs. In addition, but to a much lesser extent because NHP views the risks of this activity to be greater due to less favorable bankruptcy treatment and other factors, from time to time, NHP extends mortgage loans and other financing to operators. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, approximately 93% of NHP's revenues were derived from its leases, with the remaining 7% from its mortgage loans and other financing activities.

        As of December 31, 2010, NHP had investments in 663 healthcare facilities, one land parcel, two development projects and two assets held for sale located in 42 states.

        Additional information about NHP and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131.

Needles Acquisition LLC (See page 26)

        Needles Acquisition LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas,Merger Sub is a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas that was formed on February 24, 2011 for the purpose of effecting the merger. Upon completion ofentering into the merger NHP will be merged with and into Needles Acquisition LLC and the name of the resulting company will be Nationwide Health Properties, LLC.

        Needles Acquisition LLCagreement. Merger Sub has not conducted any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated by the merger agreement.

        OP Merger Sub is a Delaware limited partnership and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas that was formed for the purpose of entering into the merger agreement. OP Merger Sub has


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not conducted any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated by the merger agreement.

        Additional information about Ventas and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference" on page 127.


American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc. (See page 38)

        HCT is a Maryland corporation incorporated on August 23, 2010 that elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with its initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011. In February 2011, HCT commenced its initial public offering, or IPO, on a "reasonable best efforts" basis of up to 150.0 million shares of common stock, at a price of $10.00 per share, subject to certain volume and other discounts. HCT closed its IPO in April 2013 and listed its common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which we refer to as Nasdaq, under the symbol "HCT" on April 7, 2014.

        HCT invests primarily in real estate serving the healthcare industry in the United States. HCT owns a diversified portfolio of healthcare-related real estate, focusing predominantly on MOBs and seniors housing communities. Additionally, HCT selectively invests across the healthcare continuum in hospitals, post-acute care facilities and other properties. As of June 30, 2014, HCT owned 147 properties and one preferred equity investment, located in 30 states and comprised of 7.5 million rentable square feet.

        Substantially all of HCT's business is conducted through HCT OP. HCT has no direct employees and has retained American Realty Capital Healthcare Advisors, LLC, which we refer to as the Advisor, to manage its affairs on a day-to-day basis. HCT has retained American Realty Capital Healthcare Properties, LLC, which we refer to as the Property Manager, to serve as its property manager. Realty Capital Securities, LLC, which we refer to as RCS, served as the dealer manager of the IPO and continues to provide HCT with various strategic investment banking services. The Advisor, Property Manager and RCS are under common control with HCT's sponsor, American Realty Capital V, LLC, which we refer to as the Sponsor and, as a result thereof, they are related parties.

        HCT's principal executive offices are located at 405 Park Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10022, and its telephone number is (212) 415-6500.


Recent Transactions by Ventas (See page 38)

        On August 19, 2014, Ventas completed its previously announced acquisition of 29 independent living seniors housing communities located in Canada from Holiday Retirement in a separate transaction for CAD 957 million in cash, which we refer to as the Holiday acquisition. At closing, Atria assumed management of the acquired seniors housing communities, which now manages a total of 177 communities for Ventas.


The Merger and the Merger Agreement

        A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Ventas (See pages 45 and NHP encourage you to read the entire merger agreement carefully because it is the principal document governing the merger.

Form of Merger (See page 38)72)

        Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, at the effective time of the merger, NHPwhich we refer to as the effective time, HCT will be mergedmerge with and into Needles Acquisition LLC. Needles Acquisition LLC will be theMerger Sub, with Merger Sub surviving entity in the merger and, following completion of the merger, will continue to exist under the name Nationwide Health Properties, LLC as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas.

Consideration Immediately following the effective time, OP Merger Sub will merge with and into HCT OP, with HCT OP surviving the partnership merger and Merger Sub as its sole general partner. We refer to be Received in the Merger; Treatment of NHP Stock Options and Other Equity-Based Awards (See pages 38 and 65)

        Upon completioneffective time of the partnership merger NHP stockholders will receive 0.7866 shares of Ventas common stock foras the partnership merger effective time.

        In the merger, each share of NHPHCT common stock they own at closing, with cash paid in lieuissued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (other than shares held by HCT, Ventas or any of fractional shares. The exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted for changes in the market value of the common stock of NHP or Ventas. Because of this, the implied value of the consideration to NHP stockholders will fluctuate between now and the completion of the merger. Based on the closing price of Ventas common stock on the NYSE of $57.05 on February 25, 2011, the last trading day before public announcement of the merger, the exchange ratio of 0.7866 represented approximately $44.99 in Ventas common stock for each share of NHP common stock. Based on the closing price of Ventas common stock on the NYSE of $[    •    ] on [    •    ], 2011, the latest practicable date before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the exchange ratio of 0.7866 represented approximately $[    •    ] in Ventas common stock for each share of NHP common stock. See "Comparative Stock Prices and Dividends" on page 114.

        Upon completion of the merger, (i) each of NHP's outstanding stock options will become fully vested and, in Ventas's discretion, either be (A) cashed out based on the option spread or (B) assumed by Ventas, on the same terms and conditions (subject to adjustment for the exchange ratio), provided that stock options granted to Mr. Pasquale and certain other senior executives in February 2011their respective wholly owned subsidiaries, which will be assumed by Ventas on the same terms and conditions (subject to adjustment for the exchange ratio); (ii) each NHP restricted stock unitcancelled) will vest in full and be cashed out based on the exchange ratio, provided that (a) restricted stock units granted to Mr. Pasquale and certain other senior executives in February 2011 will be assumed by Ventas on the same terms and conditions (subject to adjustment for the exchange ratio) and (b) certain restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Khoury and Bradley will vest and be settled in accordance with their terms; (iii) each share of NHP restricted stock will vest in full and be converted into Ventas common stock, based on the exchange ratio; (iv) NHP performance shares will vest underright to receive, at the relevant award agreements in respectelection of the shortened performance period ending as of the closing of the merger and be converted into Ventas common stock based on the exchange ratio; and (v) dividend equivalent rights granted in connection with any NHP award will become fully vested and be paid out.

Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (See page 97)

 The merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization, within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming the merger qualifies as a reorganization, a U.S. holder of NHP common stock generally will not recognize any gain or loss upon receipt of Ventas common stock in exchange for NHP common stock in the merger, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Ventas common stock. It is a condition to the completion of the merger that Ventas and NHP receive


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written opinions from their respective counsel

holder of such stock, subject to the effect that the merger will qualifyproration as described below, (i) $11.33 in cash or (ii) a reorganization, within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

        Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences of the merger to each NHP stockholder may depend on such stockholder's particular facts and circumstances. NHP stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisors to understand fully the tax consequences to them of the merger. See "Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger" beginning on page 97.

Recommendations by the Ventas Board of Directors (See page 46)

        After careful consideration, the Ventas board of directors, on February 27, 2011, unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement. For the factors considered by the Ventas board of directors in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, see the section entitled "The Merger—Ventas's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation by the Ventas Board of Directors" beginning on page 46.The Ventas board of directors unanimously recommends that the Ventas stockholders vote "FOR" the issuancenumber of shares of Ventas common stock equal to NHPthe Exchange Ratio. In no event will the aggregate consideration paid in cash be paid with respect to more than 10% of the shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the consummation of the merger (including restricted shares). If the aggregate elections for payment in cash exceed such limit, then the amount of cash consideration paid with respect to cash elections will be reduced on a pro rata basis, with the remaining consideration paid in shares of Ventas common stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional shares. The value of the cash consideration may be higher or lower than the value of the stock consideration at the time of the completion of the merger.

        Each restricted share of HCT common stock granted pursuant to HCT's equity plans that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will, immediately prior to such effective time, vest in full, and the restrictions with respect thereto will lapse. Each such restricted share will be deemed an issued and outstanding share of HCT common stock as of immediately prior to the effective time and will be entitled to receive the merger consideration determined in accordance with and otherwise subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including the election and proration provisions.

        If 10% or more of the outstanding shares of HCT common stock elect to receive cash consideration, the aggregate value of the merger consideration to be received by HCT stockholders would be approximately $1.9 billion, consisting of approximately $191.8 million in cash consideration and $1.7 billion in stock consideration, based on the number of shares of outstanding HCT common stock on October 14, 2014 and based on the closing trading price of Ventas common stock on October 14, 2014. Based on the number of shares of outstanding HCT common stock on October 14, 2014, in no event would HCT stockholders receive more than approximately $191.8 million in cash consideration in the aggregate, excluding any cash payments in lieu of fractional shares of Ventas common stock. If no outstanding shares of HCT common stock elect to receive cash consideration, the aggregate value of the merger consideration to be received by HCT stockholders would be approximately $1.9 billion, consisting entirely of stock consideration, excluding any cash payments in lieu of fractional shares of Ventas common stock, based on the number of shares of outstanding HCT common stock on October 14, 2014 and based on the closing trading price of Ventas common stock on October 14, 2014.

        On September 15, 2014, the parties to the merger agreement entered into the first amendment to the merger agreement, as described on page 96.

        Copies of the merger agreement and the first amendment thereto are attached as Annex A and Annex B, respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by reference. Ventas and HCT encourage you to carefully read the merger agreement, as amended, in its entirety because it is the principal document governing the merger.


Election Procedures (See page 75)

        A holder of HCT common stock may indicate such holder's election to receive cash or shares of Ventas common stock in connection with the merger by indicating such election on the form of election, which will be mailed to each holder of HCT common stock as of [                ], 2014, as well as stockholders of record who purchase shares of HCT common stock subsequent to such date and "FOR"prior to the Ventas charter amendmentelection deadline described below, if any. Such form of election will allow each HCT stockholder to increasespecify the number of authorized shares of HCT common stock in respect of which such HCT stockholder elects to receive Ventas common stock atand the Ventas special meeting. Thenumber of shares of HCT common stock in respect of which such HCT stockholder elects to receive cash, subject to proration in accordance with the merger cannot be completed withoutagreement. To make a proper election, HCT stockholders must complete the approval by Ventas stockholdersform of bothelection and return it, along with any certificates representing such stockholder's shares of these proposals.HCT common stock and


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Recommendation

any additional documents specified in the form of election, to the exchange agent by the NHPelection deadline.


Recommendation of the HCT Board of Directors (See page 48)
41)

        After careful consideration,        The HCT Board has unanimously (i) determined that the NHP boardmerger agreement and the merger are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, directors, on February 27, 2011,HCT and its stockholders and (ii) approved the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

The HCT Board unanimously declaredrecommends that HCT stockholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and "FOR" the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger.


Summary of Risk Factors Related to the Merger (See page 26)

        You should consider carefully the risk factors, together with all of the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus before deciding how to vote. The risks related to the merger and the related transactions are described under the caption "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Merger" beginning on page 26.


HCT Special Meeting (See page 39)

        The HCT special meeting will be held at [                        ], on [                ], 2014, commencing at [            ] a.m., local time.

        Holders of record of HCT common stock at the close of business on [                ], 2014, which we refer to as the record date, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the HCT special meeting. On the record date, there were [            ] shares of HCT common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the HCT special meeting, held by approximately [            ] holders of record.

        At the HCT special meeting, the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be advisable and approvedcast at such meeting on any matter will constitute a quorum. Abstentions, if any, but not broker non-votes, will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present at the merger agreement. ForHCT special meeting.

        Approval of the factors considered by the NHP board of directors in reaching its decisionproposal to approve the merger agreement, see the section entitled "The Merger—NHP's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation by the NHP Board of Directors" beginning on page 48.The NHP board of directors unanimously recommends that the NHP stockholders vote "FOR" the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at the NHP special meeting.

Opinion of Ventas's Financial Advisor (See page 51)

        Centerview Partners LLC.    On February 27, 2011, atleast a meetingmajority of the Ventas boardoutstanding shares of directors heldHCT common stock entitled to evaluate the merger, Centerview Partners LLC, which we refer to as Centerview Partners, delivered its oral opinion, which was later confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated February 27, 2011, to the Ventas board of directors that, as of February 27, 2011 and based upon and subject to the assumptions and limitations set forth in the opinion, the exchange ratio of 0.7866 was fair, from a financial point of view, to Ventas. The full text of Centerview Partners's written opinion, dated February 27, 2011, is attached as Annex C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Centerview Partners's written opinion sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered, and limitationsvote on the review undertaken by Centerview Partners in rendering its opinion. The summary of Centerview Partners's written opinion below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full textsuch proposal. Approval of the written opinion. Centerview Partners's opinion is addressedproposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the Ventas boardcompensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of directors for its benefit and use in connection with its evaluation of the merger. Centerview Partners's opinion relates only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Ventas of the exchange ratio provided for in the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of Ventas as to how such stockholder should vote or act with respect to the merger or any other matter.


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Opinion of NHP's Financial Advisor (See page 56)

        J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, which we refer to as J.P. Morgan, delivered its opinion to the NHP board of directors that, as of February 27, 2011, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, procedures, factors, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the exchange ratio of 0.7866 provided for in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of NHP common stock. The full text of the written opinion of J.P. Morgan, dated February 27, 2011, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in connection with its opinion, is attached as Annex D to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The opinion of J.P. Morgan was directed to the NHP board of directors for the information and assistance of the NHP board of directors in connection with its evaluation of the merger and addressed only the fairness as of the date of the opinion, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio to the holders of NHP common stock. The opinion of J.P. Morgan was not intended to, and does not constitute a recommendation to any NHP stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote or act with respect to the merger or any other matter. Neither J.P. Morgan's opinion, nor the summary thereof or of J.P. Morgan's financial analyses set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, is being provided for the use of any Ventas stockholder, nor does it constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of Ventas as to how such stockholder should vote or act with respect to the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholdersHCT in connection with the merger or any other matter.requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal.

        See page 40 for a description of the effect of abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to the above proposals.

Financial Interests        Your vote is very important. You are encouraged to vote as promptly as possible. If you properly submit your proxy but do not indicate how your shares of NHP's DirectorsHCT common stock should be voted on a matter, the shares of HCT common stock represented by your properly executed proxy will be voted as the HCT Board recommends and, Executive Officers intherefore, "FOR" the Merger (See page 65)

        NHP's directors and executive officers have financial interests inproposal to approve the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of NHP stockholders generally. The NHP board of directors was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement, and the merger, in approving the merger agreement, and in recommending to NHP stockholders that the merger agreement be adopted and that the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and "FOR" the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be approved.paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger. If you do not provide voting instructions to your broker or other nominee, your shares of HCT common stock will NOT be voted at the meeting and will be considered broker non-votes.

 Please see


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Opinion of HCT's Financial Advisor (See page 57)

        HCT has retained Citigroup Global Markets Inc., which we refer to as Citi, as its financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger. In connection with this engagement, HCT requested that Citi evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be received pursuant to the merger agreement by holders of HCT common stock (other than Ventas and its affiliates and affiliates of HCT, which we refer to as excluded holders). On June 1, 2014, at a meeting of the HCT Board held to evaluate the merger, Citi delivered to the HCT Board an oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated June 1, 2014, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions, matters considered, procedures followed and limitations and qualifications described in its opinion, the merger consideration to be received pursuant to the merger agreement by holders of HCT common stock (other than excluded holders) was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

        The full text of Citi's written opinion, dated June 1, 2014, which describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.Citi's opinion was provided for the information of the HCT Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with its evaluation of the merger consideration from a financial point of view and did not address any other terms, aspects or implications of the merger. Citi was not requested to consider, and its opinion did not address, the underlying business decision of HCT to effect the merger or related transactions, the relative merits of the merger or related transactions as compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist for HCT or the effect of any other transaction in which HCT might engage or consider. Citi's opinion is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation as to how any stockholder should vote or act on any matter relating to the proposed merger or otherwise.

        See "The Merger—Opinion of HCT's Financial Advisor" beginning on page 57.


Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers of HCT (See page 67)

        At the close of business on the record date, the directors and executive officers of HCT and their affiliates held [            ] shares of HCT common stock, collectively representing [            ]% of the shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on that date.


Certain Fees and Expense Reimbursements Payable in Connection with the Merger (See page 68)

        As of the date of this filing, the following fees and expense reimbursements are payable by HCT in connection with the merger:

Entity
DescriptionAmount

RCS Capital

Provision of financial advisory and strategic services to HCT prior to the consummation of the merger pursuant to the HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement between HCT and RCS Capital, the investment banking and capital markets division of RCS.0.25% of the transaction value of the merger


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Entity
DescriptionAmount

American Realty Capital Healthcare Special Limited Partnership, LLC

Upon closing of the merger, HCT OP will issue 5,613,374 OP Units to American Realty Capital Healthcare Special Limited Partnership, LLC. In addition, at closing, the Advisor will forfeit the Award LTIP Units (as defined in the 2014 Multi-Year Outperformance Agreement, which we refer to as the OPP), the Third Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, which we refer to as the Advisory Agreement, will terminate without the requisite 60-day notice, the Property Management and Leasing Agreement, which we refer to as the Management Agreement, will terminate without the requisite 60-day notice, and American Realty Capital Healthcare Special Limited Partnership, LLC will contribute its right to distributions from HCT OP, as evidenced by the Listing Note Agreement, to HCT OP.

5,613,374 OP Units


Interests of NHP'sHCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (See page 68)

        In considering the recommendation of the HCT Board to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, HCT stockholders should be aware that HCT's directors and executive officers have certain interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of HCT stockholders generally. These interests may create potential conflicts of interest. The HCT Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. See "The Merger—Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 65 for additional information about these financial interests.

Board68 of Directors and Management Following the Merger (See page 68)this proxy statement/prospectus.

        Ventas hasIn connection with the merger, on May 23, 2014, HCT entered into a letter agreement with RCS Capital, the investment banking and capital markets division of RCS, pursuant to which RCS Capital agreed to take all necessary actionact as financial advisor to cause three members of NHP's current board of directorsHCT in connection with a possible sale or acquisition transaction involving HCT. In connection with the letter agreement and the services provided by RCS Capital thereunder, HCT agreed to be appointedpay RCS Capital an amount equal to the Ventas board of directors, effective as0.25% of the closingtransaction value of the merger. OneHCT also agreed to reimburse RCS for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses arising in connection with the merger. See "The Merger—Interests of these persons willHCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger—HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement" on page 68.

        In addition to the foregoing, if the merger were consummated as of October 14, 2014, an aggregate of 225,905 restricted shares of HCT common stock held by HCT's directors, including 40,000 restricted shares held by Nicholas S. Schorsch, Executive Chairman of the HCT Board, would vest in full immediately prior to the effective time and be NHP's Chairman, Presidententitled to receive the merger consideration as described above. For an estimate of the amount that would be payable to Mr. Schorsch upon the vesting of his restricted shares, see "The Merger—Interests of HCT's Directors and ChiefExecutive Officers in the Merger—Merger-Related Compensation for a Named Executive Officer Douglas M. Pasquale. The other persons will be individuals who are acceptable toof HCT" on page 70.

        Each of RCS Capital and RCS is an entity under common control with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Ventas board of directors. Those individuals have not yet been selected as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.Advisor.

 Ventas currently anticipates that all of the existing executive officers of Ventas will remain executive officers of Ventas following the merger. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, Ventas has not finalized any arrangements with current executive officers of NHP with respect to their employment by the combined company. If none of the current executive officers of NHP remain employed by Ventas following the merger, it is anticipated that the associated severance costs would be approximately $[    •    ] based on calculations made as of [    •    ]. However, it is expected that Douglas M. Pasquale will serve as a senior advisor to Ventas to ensure an orderly transition.


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Regulatory Approvals RequiredTermination of Certain Agreements (See page 69)

        In connection with the merger, HCT entered into amendments terminating the OPP, the Advisory Agreement, the Management Agreement and the Listing Note Agreement. See "The Merger—Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger—Termination of Advisory Agreement, Property Management Agreement, Listing Note Agreement and OPP" on page 69.


Listing of Shares of Ventas Common Stock (See page 71)

        Approval of the listing on the NYSE of the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued to HCT stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement, subject to official notice of issuance, is a condition to each party's obligation to complete the merger. Ventas has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued to HCT stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the effective time of the merger. If the merger is completed, shares of HCT common stock will be delisted from Nasdaq and thereafter will be deregistered under the Exchange Act.


No Stockholder Appraisal Rights in the Merger (See page 68)
102)

        Neither Ventas stockholders nor NHP is aware of any regulatory approvals thatHCT stockholders are expectedentitled to prevent the consummation ofexercise appraisal rights in connection with the merger. See "The Merger—Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger" beginning"No Appraisal Rights" on page 68.102.

Expected Timing of the Merger (See page 76)

        We currently expect to complete the merger in the third quarter of 2011, subject to receipt of required stockholder and regulatory approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of the other closing conditions summarized below.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger (See page 91)79)

        As more fully described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the merger agreement, the completion of the merger depends on aA number of conditions beingmust be satisfied or waived, where legally permissible, waived.before the merger can be consummated. These conditions include, among others:

    receiptthe approval by HCT's stockholders of the requisite approvals of Ventas stockholdersmerger agreement and NHP stockholders;the merger;

    the absence of anyan injunction or law prohibiting the merger;

    the SEC having declared effectiveeffectiveness of the registration statement, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus formsis a part;

    the approval for listing on the NYSE of the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in connection withto HCT stockholders pursuant to the merger;merger agreement, subject to official notice of issuance;

    the correctnessaccuracy of all representations and warranties made by the parties in the merger agreement and performance by the parties of their respective obligations under the merger agreement (subject in each case to certain materiality standards);

    the absence of any event that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect being experienced byon either company;party since the date of the merger agreement;

    the receipt by Ventas and HCT, respectively, of an opinion from such party's legal opinionscounsel regarding such party's qualification as a REIT;

    the receipt by Ventas and HCT, respectively, of an opinion from each company's respectivesuch party's tax counsel regardingto the qualification ofeffect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes;within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; and

    in the case of Ventas's obligation to complete the merger, (i) the receipt of required regulatory approvals, and (ii) the continued effectiveness of amendments entered into as of the date of the merger agreement terminating, immediately prior to and contingent upon the closing of the merger, certain agreements to which HCT is a legal opinion from each company's tax counsel regarding its qualification as a REIT.party.

We cannot be certain        Neither Ventas nor HCT can give any assurance as to whether or when all of the conditions to the consummation of the merger will be satisfied or waived or whetherthat the merger will be completed.occur.


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Termination

        For more information regarding the conditions to the consummation of the merger and a complete list of such conditions, see "The Merger AgreementAgreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger" beginning on page 79.


Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger (See page 71)

        The merger may be subject to the regulatory requirements of municipal, state and federal, domestic or foreign, governmental agencies and authorities. Ventas's obligation to complete the merger is conditioned on the receipt of certain required regulatory approvals. See "The Merger—Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger" beginning on page 71.


No Solicitation and Change in Recommendation (See page 85)

        Under the merger agreement, HCT has agreed not to, and to cause its subsidiaries not to (and not authorize and use reasonable best efforts to cause its officers, directors, managers and other representatives not to), directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiry, discussion, offer or request that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an acquisition proposal, (ii) engage in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any third party any non-public information in connection with, or knowingly facilitate in any way any effort by, any third party in furtherance of any acquisition proposal or inquiry, (iii) approve or recommend an acquisition proposal, or enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, share purchase agreement, asset purchase agreement, share exchange agreement, option agreement or any other similar agreement providing for or relating to an acquisition proposal, or (iv) propose or agree to do any of the foregoing.

        However, prior to the approval of the merger agreement and the merger by HCT stockholders, HCT may, under certain specified circumstances, engage in discussions or negotiations with and provide non-public information regarding itself to a third party making an unsolicited, bona fide written acquisition proposal. Under the merger agreement, HCT is required to notify Ventas promptly, and within 24 hours, if it receives any acquisition proposal or inquiry or any request for non-public information.

        Prior to the approval of the merger agreement and the merger by HCT stockholders, the HCT Board may, under certain specified circumstances, withdraw its recommendation of the merger if (i) HCT receives an unsolicited bona fide acquisition proposal that the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, constitutes a superior proposal and if the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law or (ii) in response to certain intervening events which were not reasonably foreseeable as of or prior to the date of the merger agreement, the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law.

        For more information regarding the limitations on HCT and the HCT Board to consider other acquisition proposals, see "The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation of Transactions by HCT" beginning on page 85.


Termination (See page 93)

        Ventas and NHPHCT may mutually agree to terminate the merger agreement before completing the merger, even after approval of the Ventas stockholders or approval ofmerger agreement and the NHPmerger by HCT stockholders.

        In addition, either Ventas or NHP (so long as it is not at fault)HCT may decide to terminate the merger agreement if:

    the merger is not consummated by OctoberJanuary 31, 2011;2015, which we refer to as the outside date, provided that the terminating party's failure to perform its obligations under the merger


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      agreement has not been a principal cause of, or resulted in, such delay, and provided further that either party can extend the outside date for up to four successive one-month periods in certain circumstances;

    there is a final, non-appealable order or injunction prohibiting the merger;merger, provided that the order or injunction was not due primarily to the terminating party's failure to perform its obligations under the merger agreement; or

    VentasHCT stockholders fail to approve the issuancemerger agreement and the merger at the HCT special meeting, provided that the failure to obtain such stockholder approval was not due primarily to the terminating party's failure to perform its obligations under the merger agreement.

        HCT may also terminate the merger agreement:

    if Ventas has breached in any material respect any of sharesits representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the merger agreement that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in a failure of Ventas common stockHCT's conditions to NHP stockholders in connection withconsummation of the merger and the Ventas charter amendment;

    NHP stockholders fail to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; or

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    the other party materially breaches the merger agreement and does not cure such breach within a specified period.period, provided that HCT is not in breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements such that Ventas would be permitted not to consummate the merger; or

    prior to the approval of the merger agreement and the merger by the HCT stockholders, in order to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal, provided that HCT concurrently pays the termination payment to Ventas.

        Ventas may also terminate the merger agreement priorif:

    HCT or HCT OP has breached in any material respect certain of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the merger agreement that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in a failure of Ventas's conditions to consummation of the NHP stockholder approval if: (1) NHP withdraws, qualifiesmerger and HCT does not cure such breach within a specified period, provided that Ventas is not in breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or modifiesagreements such that HCT would be permitted not to consummate the merger; or

    (i) the HCT Board has made an adverse recommendation change, (ii) HCT has materially breached its recommendationobligation to recommend through the HCT Board that stockholders vote for the merger inand to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit and obtain the approval of HCT stockholders for the merger or (iii) HCT has materially breached its obligations under the provision of the merger agreement regarding solicitation of alternative acquisition proposals, and such breach is not cured within a manner adversespecified period.

        For more information regarding the rights of Ventas and HCT to Ventas; (2) NHP approves, adopts or recommends any NHP Acquisition Proposal (as defined below underterminate the merger agreement, see "The Merger—TheMerger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement" beginning on page 75); (3) NHP fails to include its recommendation for the merger in its SEC filings; (4) NHP fails to publicly recommend against any NHP Acquisition Proposal within ten business days of Ventas's request; (5) NHP materially or willfully breaches its no-shop obligation or its obligation to hold a stockholders meeting; or (6) NHP enters into an agreement concerning a competing proposal.93.


ExpensesBreak-up Fee and Termination FeesExpense Reimbursement (See page 94)95)

        Generally, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be paid by the party incurring those expenses. The merger agreement provides that, if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, Ventas or NHPHowever, HCT may be obligated to pay the other party a termination fee of $175 million plus $20 million in expense reimbursement. In certain circumstances, even if the termination fee is not payable, Ventas or NHP may be requiredan amount equal to pay $20$10.0 million in expense reimbursement in certain circumstances. Additionally, the merger agreement provides for the payment to Ventas of a break-up fee by HCT in the other party. Seeamount of $55 million in certain circumstances.

        For more information regarding the section entitledexpense reimbursement and the break-up fee, see "The Merger—The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement—Termination Payment: Break-up Fee and Expenses Payable by NHP to Ventas"Expense Reimbursement" beginning on page 9495.


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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (See page 97)

        The parties intend for the merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and "—Termination Feeit is a condition to the completion of the merger that Ventas and Expenses Payable byHCT receive written opinions from their respective counsel to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming the merger qualifies as a reorganization, U.S. holders of HCT common stock generally will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the exchange of their HCT common stock for solely Ventas common stock pursuant to NHP"the merger, except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Ventas common stock. U.S. holders of HCT common stock generally will recognize gain or loss if they exchange their shares of HCT common stock solely for cash in the merger. Generally, U.S. holders of HCT common stock will recognize gain, but not loss, if they exchange their shares of HCT common stock for a combination of Ventas common stock and cash, but their taxable gain in that case will not exceed the cash they receive in the merger.

        For further discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger, see "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger" beginning on page 95 for a complete discussion97.

All holders of HCT common stock should consult their tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them (including the application and effect of any other federal, state, local or non-U.S. income and other tax laws) of the circumstances under which a termination fee and/or expense reimbursement will be required to be paid.

Accounting Treatment (See page 68)merger.

        Ventas prepares its financial statements in
Accounting Treatment of the Merger (See page 71)

        In accordance with accounting principlesU.S. generally accepted in the United States,accounting principles, which we refer to as GAAP. TheGAAP, Ventas will account for the merger using the acquisition method of accounting, with Ventas treated as the acquirer of HCT for accounting purposes. Under acquisition accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be accounted for by applyingrecorded as of the acquisition method. Pleasedate, at their respective fair values, and added to those of Ventas. Any excess of purchase price over the fair values will be recorded as goodwill. Consolidated financial statements of Ventas issued after the merger would reflect HCT's fair values after the completion of the merger, but will not be restated retroactively to reflect the historical consolidated financial position or results of operations of HCT.


Comparison of Rights of Ventas Stockholders and HCT Stockholders (See page 117)

        At the effective time, HCT stockholders who receive shares of Ventas common stock as merger consideration will become stockholders of Ventas and, accordingly, their rights will be governed by Ventas's charter and bylaws and the laws of the State of Delaware. Ventas's charter and bylaws contain provisions that are different from HCT's charter and bylaws in various ways.

        For a summary of certain differences between the rights of Ventas stockholders and the rights of HCT stockholders, see the section entitled "Accounting Treatment""Comparison of Rights of Ventas Stockholders and HCT Stockholders" beginning on page 68.

No Appraisal Rights (See page 71)

        Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, in connection with the merger, NHP stockholders are not entitled to exercise the right of objecting stockholders to receive the fair value of their shares.117.


Litigation RelatingRelated to the Merger (See page 69)101)

        As of April 8, 2011, purportedPurported stockholders of NHPHCT have filed seventhirteen (13) putative class action lawsuits against NHP,HCT, its directors, Ventas, Merger Sub and in certain cases, Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLCOP Merger Sub challenging the merger.merger, and alleging that the HCT Board breached its fiduciary duties by approving the merger agreement. Some of these lawsuits also name other parties, including HCT's CEO and other HCT-related entities, as additional defendants. Certain of these lawsuits also purport to assert derivative claims on behalf of HCT against its directors, Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub. The lawsuits seek various forms of relief, including to enjoinan injunction prohibiting the merger directand, in the defendants to exercise certain alleged duties, rescind the merger agreement, impose a constructive trust in favor of the class upon any benefits improperly received by the defendants, and awardalternative, awarding the plaintiffs damages and expenses. For more information about litigation related to the merger, see "The Merger—Litigation Relating"Litigation Related to the Merger" beginning on page 69.


The Special Meetings

The Ventas Special Meeting (See page 27)101.

 The Ventas special meeting will be held at [    •    ], on [    •    ], 2011, at [    •    ] local time. At the Ventas special meeting, Ventas stockholders will be asked to vote on the following matters:

    the approval of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger;

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    the approval of an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ventas, Inc., as previously amended (which we refer to as the Ventas charter), to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas capital stock from 310,000,000 to 610,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock from 300,000,000 to 600,000,000 (we refer to this amendment as the charter amendment); and

    the approval of any adjournments of the Ventas special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes for such proposals.

        You may vote at the Ventas special meeting if you owned shares of Ventas common stock at the close of business on the record date, [    •    ], 2011. You may cast one vote for each share of common stock that you owned on the record date. On that date, there were [    •    ] shares of Ventas common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.

        The proposals to approve the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and to approve the Ventas charter amendment each require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock. The merger cannot be completed without the approval by Ventas stockholders of both of these proposals. The proposal to approve any adjournments of the Ventas special meeting, if necessary, for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Ventas common stock represented, in person or by proxy, at the Ventas special meeting.

        On the record date, approximately [    •    ]% of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock was held by Ventas directors and executive officers and their affiliates. Ventas currently expects that its directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment, although none has entered into any agreements obligating them to do so.

The NHP Special Meeting (See page 34)

        The special meeting of NHP stockholders will be held at [    •    ], on [    •    ], 2011, at [    •    ] local time. At the special meeting, stockholders of NHP will be asked to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 27, 2011, among Ventas, Needles Acquisition LLC, and NHP and to approve the merger of NHP with and into Needles Acquisition LLC and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

        You may vote at the NHP special meeting if you owned shares of NHP common stock at the close of business on the record date, [    •    ], 2011. On that date, there were [    •    ] shares of NHP common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. You may cast one vote for each share of NHP common stock that you owned on the record date.

        The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of NHP common stock on the record date is required to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. In the event that there are not sufficient votes to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the Chairman of the NHP special meeting is authorized to adjourn the meeting (from time to time in his discretion) in order to solicit additional proxies.

        On the record date, approximately [    •    ]% of the outstanding shares of NHP common stock was held by NHP directors and executive officers and their affiliates. NHP currently expects that its directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, although none has entered into any agreements obligating them to do so.


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Rights of NHP Stockholders Will Change as a Result of the Merger (See page 118)

        NHP stockholders will have different rights once they become stockholders of the combined company, due to differences between the governing documents of Ventas and NHP. These differences are described in detail under "Comparison of Rights of Ventas Stockholders and NHP Stockholders" beginning on page 118.

Risk Factors

        Before voting at the Ventas or NHP special meeting, you should carefully consider all of the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the risk factors set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" beginning on page 16 or described in Ventas's and NHP's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and other reports filed with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131.


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Selected Historical Financial DataInformation of Ventas

        The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information for Ventas. The selected balance sheet and statement of income data as of December 31 of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 20102013 have been derived from Ventas's audited consolidated financial statements incorporated herein by reference. The selected statement of income data for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2014, and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31 for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2010June 30, 2014 have been derived from Ventas's auditedunaudited consolidated financialsfinancial statements incorporated herein by reference. The following information should be read together with Ventas's audited consolidated financial statements,Annual Report on Form 10-K for the notes related theretoyear ended December 31, 2013, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Ventas's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and management's related reports on Ventas's financial condition and performance, all of which are contained in Ventas's reportsother information that Ventas has filed with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference. See "Where You Can Find More Information"Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 131.127.

 
 For the Six Months Ended June 30, For the Year Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 
 
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Operating Data

                      

Rental income

 $710,685 $646,398 $1,325,984 $1,178,849 $793,802 $517,652 $475,000 

Resident fees and services

  745,534  680,764  1,406,005  1,227,124  865,800  445,157  421,058 

Interest expense

  179,342  160,871  334,484  288,276  223,804  169,981  170,232 

Property-level operating expenses

  576,399  536,689  1,109,632  966,422  645,082  314,985  302,813 

General, administrative and professional fees

  64,172  56,098  115,106  98,510  74,537  49,830  38,830 

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

  244,175  254,621  488,930  307,835  362,308  211,570  185,038 

Discontinued operations

  2,776  (26,990) (35,421) 54,965  2,185  34,597  81,457 

Net income attributable to common stockholders

  259,445  226,773  453,509  362,800  364,493  246,167  266,495 

Per Share Data

                      

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders:

                      

Basic

 $0.87 $0.87 $1.67 $1.05 $1.59 $1.35 $1.22 

Diluted

  0.87  0.86  1.66  1.04  1.57  1.34  1.21 

Net income attributable to common stockholders:

                      

Basic

  0.88  0.78  1.55  1.24  1.60  1.57  1.75 

Diluted

  0.88  0.77  1.54  1.23  1.58  1.56  1.74 

Dividends declared per common share

  1.45  1.34  2.735  2.48  2.30  2.14  2.05 

Weighted average shares used in computing earnings per common share:

                      

Basic

  293,932  292,049  292,654  292,064  228,453  156,608  152,566 

Diluted

  296,369  294,584  295,110  294,488  230,790  157,657  152,758 

Other Data

                      

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $595,702 $507,688 $1,194,755 $992,816 $773,197 $447,622 $422,101 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (385,433) (143,590) (1,282,760) (2,169,689) (997,439) (301,920) (1,746)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (218,058) (369,496) 114,996  1,198,914  248,282  (231,452) (490,180)

FFO(1)

  625,547  599,725  1,208,458  1,024,567  824,851  421,506  393,409 

Normalized FFO(1)

  654,983  599,922  1,220,709  1,120,225  776,963  453,981  409,045 

 
 As of and for the Years Ended December 31,(1) 
 
 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 
 
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Operating Data

                
 

Rental income

 $539,572 $496,568 $476,815 $454,496 $378,763 
 

Resident fees and services

  446,301  421,058  429,257  282,226   
 

Interest expense

  178,863  176,990  202,624  194,752  125,737 
 

Property-level operating expenses

  315,953  302,813  306,944  198,125  3,171 
 

General, administrative and professional fees

  49,830  38,830  40,651  36,425  26,136 
 

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

  218,370  193,120  174,054  130,242  118,001 
 

Discontinued operations

  27,797  73,375  48,549  143,439  13,153 
 

Net income attributable to common stockholders

  246,167  266,495  222,603  273,681  131,154 

Per Share Data

                
 

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, basic

 $1.39 $1.27 $1.24 $1.06 $1.13 
 

Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic

 $1.57 $1.75 $1.59 $2.23 $1.26 
 

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, diluted

 $1.38 $1.26 $1.24 $1.06 $1.13 
 

Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted

 $1.56 $1.74 $1.59 $2.22 $1.25 
 

Dividends declared per common share

 $2.14 $2.05 $2.05 $1.90 $1.58 

Balance Sheet Data

                
 

Real estate investments, at cost

 $6,747,699 $6,399,421 $6,256,562 $6,380,703 $3,707,837 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  21,812  107,397  176,812  28,334  1,246 
 

Total assets

  5,758,021  5,616,245  5,771,418  5,718,475  3,256,021 
 

Senior notes payable and other debt

  2,900,044  2,670,101  3,136,998  3,346,531  2,312,021 

Other Data

                
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $447,622 $422,101 $379,907 $404,600 $238,867 
 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (301,920) (1,746) (136,256) (1,175,192) (481,974)
 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (231,452) (490,180) (95,979) 802,675  242,712 

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 As of and for the Years Ended December 31,(1) 
 
 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 
 
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation

                
 

Net income attributable to common stockholders

 $246,167 $266,495 $222,603 $273,681 $131,154 
 

Adjustments:

                
  

Real estate depreciation and amortization

  203,966  198,841  228,778  224,028  107,253 
  

Real estate depreciation related to noncontrolling interest

  (6,217) (6,349) (6,251) (3,749)  
  

Real estate depreciation related to unconsolidated entities

  2,367         
  

Discontinued operations:

                
   

Gain on sale of real estate assets

  (25,241) (67,305) (39,026) (129,478)  
   

Depreciation on real estate assets

  464  1,727  6,253  9,736  10,985 
            
 

FFO(2)

  421,506  393,409  412,357  374,218  249,392 
 

Adjustments:

                
  

Reversal of contingent liability

      (23,328)   (1,769)
  

Provision for loan losses

      5,994     
  

Income tax expense (benefit)

  2,930  (3,459) (17,616) (29,095)  
  

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt

  9,791  6,080  (2,398) (88) 1,273 
  

Merger-related expenses and deal costs

  19,243  13,015  4,460  2,979   
  

Amortization of other intangibles

  511         
  

Net gain on sale of marketable equity securities

        (864) (1,379)
  

Gain on foreign currency hedge

        (24,314)  
  

Preferred stock issuance costs

        1,750   
  

Bridge loan fee

        2,550   
  

Rent reset costs

          7,361 
            
 

Normalized FFO(2)

 $453,981 $409,045 $379,469 $327,136 $254,878 
            

(1)
Effective January 1, 2009, Ventas adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance relating to convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion. See "Note 2—Accounting Policies" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Ventas's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for details regarding the impact of the adoption on Ventas's consolidated financial statements.

(2)
Ventas believes that net income, as defined by GAAP, is the most appropriate earnings measurement. However, Ventas considers funds from operations,Funds From Operations, which we refer to as FFO, and normalized FFO to be appropriate measures of operating performance of an equity REIT. Moreover,In particular, Ventas believes that normalized FFO providesis useful information because it allows investors, analysts and Ventas management to compare Ventas's operating performance to the operating performance of other real estate companies and between periods on a consistent basis without having to account for differences caused by unanticipated items. items and other events such as transactions and litigation. In some cases, Ventas


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    provides information about identified non-cash components of FFO and normalized FFO because it allows investors, analysts and management to assess the impact of those items on Ventas's financial statements.

    Ventas uses the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, which we refer to as NAREIT, definition of FFO. NAREIT defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of real estate property, including gain on re-measurement of equity method investments, and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures arewill be calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis. Ventas defines normalized FFO as FFO excluding the following income and expense items (which may be recurring in nature): (a) gains and losses on the sales of real property assets; (b) merger-related costs and expenses, including amortization of intangibles, and transition and integration expenses, and deal costs and expenses, including expenses and recoveries if any, relating to Ventas's lawsuit against HCP, Inc. and the issuance of preferred stock or bridge loan fees; (c)its acquisition lawsuits; (b) the impact of any expenses related to asset impairment and valuation allowances, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees, or additional costs, expenses, discounts, make-whole payments, penalties or premiums incurred as a result of early retirement or payment of Ventas'sits debt; (d)(c) the non-cash effect of income tax benefits or expenses; (e)expenses and derivative transactions that have non-cash mark-to-market impacts on its Consolidated Statements of Income; (d) the impact of future unannounced acquisitions or divestitures (including pursuant to tenant options to purchase) and capital transactions; (f)(e) the reversal or incurrencefinancial impact of contingent liabilities; (g)consideration, severance-related costs, charitable donations made to the Ventas Charitable Foundation, gains and losses for non-operational foreign currency hedge agreements;agreements and (h) one-timechanges in the fair value of financial instruments; and (f) expenses in connection with rent reset process with Kindred Healthcare, Increlated to the re-audit and re-review of its subsidiaries. historical financial statements and related matters.

    FFO and normalized FFO presented herein arein this proxy statement/prospectus, or otherwise disclosed, by Ventas may not necessarilybe identical to FFO and normalized FFO presented by other real estate companies due to the fact that not all real estate companies use the same definitions. FFO and normalized FFO (or either measure adjusted for non-cash items) should not be considered alternatives to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as indicators of Ventas's financial performance or as alternatives to cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as measures of Ventas's liquidity, nor are FFO and normalized FFO (or either measure adjusted for non-cash items) necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of Ventas's needs. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Funds From Operations and Normalized Funds from Operations" included in Item 7 of Ventas's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20102013, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus for a reconciliation of these measuresFFO and normalized FFO to Ventas's GAAP earnings.



 
 As of June 30, As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Balance Sheet Data

                   

Real estate investments, at cost

 $21,543,811 $21,403,592 $19,745,607 $17,830,262 $6,747,699 $6,399,421 

Cash and cash equivalents

  86,635  94,816  67,908  45,807  21,812  107,397 

Total assets

  19,790,786  19,731,494  18,980,000  17,271,910  5,758,021  5,616,245 

Senior notes payable and other debt

  9,602,439  9,364,992  8,413,646  6,429,116  2,900,044  2,670,101 

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Selected Historical Financial DataInformation of NHPHCT

        The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information for NHP.HCT. The selected statement of income statement data for eachthe years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the period from August 23, 2010 (date of the five years endedinception) to December 31, 2010 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31, for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31,2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 have been derived from NHP'sHCT's audited consolidated financial statements incorporated herein by reference. The selected statement of income data for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2014, and the selected balance sheet data as of June 30, 2014 have been derived from HCT's unaudited consolidated financial statements incorporated herein by reference. The following information should be read together with NHP's audited consolidated financial statements,HCT's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the notes related theretoyear ended December 31, 2013, HCT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and management's related reports on NHP's financial condition and performance, all of which are contained in NHP's reportsother information that HCT has filed with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference. See "Where You Can Find More Information"Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 131.127.


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 For the
Period from
August 23,
2010 (date of
inception) to
December 31,
2010
 
 
 For the Six Months Ended June 30, For the Year Ended December 31, 
Operating Data(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 2014 2013 2013 2012 2011 

Total revenues

 $120,758 $42,615 $125,353 $35,738 $3,314 $ 

Operating expenses:

                   

Property operating and maintenance

  49,717  12,636  46,665  6,564  863   

Operating fees to affiliates

  2,352      987     

Acquisition and transaction related

  25,878  4,751  13,606  9,433  3,415   

Vesting of Class B units for asset management services

  12,917           

Fair value of listing note

  58,150           

General and administrative

  4,699  1,499  4,613  905  429  1 

Depreciation and amortization

  60,656  24,408  67,456  19,320  1,535   
              

Total operating expenses

  214,369  43,294  132,340  37,209  6,242  1 
              

Operating loss

  (93,611) (679) (6,987) (1,471) (2,928) (1)

Other income (expenses):

                   

Interest expense

  (12,651) (6,404) (15,843) (9,184) (1,191)  

Income from preferred equity investment and investment securities and interest income

  795  255  958  18  2   

Gain (Loss) on sale of investment securities

  335    (300)      
              

Total other expenses

  (11,521) (6,149) (15,185) (9,166) (1,189)  
              

Net loss:

  (105,132) (6,828) (22,172) (10,637) (4,117) (1)

Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests

  808  (36) (58) 2  32   
              

Net loss attributable to stockholders

 $(104,324)$(6,864)$(22,230)$(10,635)$(4,085)$(1)
              
              

Other data:

                   

Cash flows provided by (used in) operations

 $36,233 $18,985 $53,011 $7,793 $(2,161)$(1)

Cash flows used in investing activities

  (422,836) (207,843) (942,718) (452,546) (53,348)  

Cash flows provided by financing activities

  311,851  1,027,229  979,285  453,584  60,547  1 

Per share data:

                   

Net loss per common share attributable to stockholders, basic and diluted

 $(0.58)$(0.06)$(0.15)$(0.43)$(2.48) NM 

Distributions declared per common share

  0.34  0.34  0.68  0.68  0.66 $ 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted

  178,357,402  123,834,119  151,683,551  25,008,063  1,649,649  20,000 

NMnot meaningful.

 
 As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
 
 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 
 
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Operating Data

                
 

Revenues

 $439,251 $383,853 $360,869 $296,461 $214,928 
 

Income from continuing operations

  137,224  121,800  102,423  126,044  47,004 
 

Discontinued operations

  4,899  27,258  165,584  98,202  138,152 
 

Net income

  142,123  149,058  268,007  224,246  185,156 
 

Preferred stock dividends

    (5,350) (7,637) (13,434) (15,163)
 

Net income attributable to NHP common stockholders

  143,766  143,040  260,501  211,024  170,414 
 

Dividends paid on common stock

  223,452  187,799  171,496  150,819  120,406 

Per Share Data

                
 

Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to NHP common stockholders

 $1.11 $1.06 $0.95 $1.23 $0.41 
 

Diluted net income attributable to NHP common stockholders

  1.15  1.31  2.63  2.31  2.19 
 

Dividends paid on common stock

  1.82  1.76  1.76  1.64  1.54 

Balance Sheet Data

                
 

Investments in real estate, net

 $3,698,274 $3,031,383 $3,124,299 $2,961,442 $2,583,515 
 

Total assets

  4,092,624  3,647,075  3,458,125  3,144,353  2,704,814 
 

Borrowings under unsecured senior credit facility

  175,000      41,000  139,000 
 

Senior notes

  991,633  991,633  1,056,233  1,166,500  887,500 
 

Notes and bonds payable

  362,624  431,456  435,199  340,150  355,411 
 

NHP stockholders' equity

  2,299,827  2,033,099  1,760,667  1,482,693  1,243,809 

Other Data

                
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $295,741 $247,145 $243,838 $220,886 $171,932 
 

Net cash used in investing activities

 $(708,454)$(1,900)$(111,088)$(375,364)$(654,819)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 $90,026 $54,783 $(69,907)$159,190 $487,577 
 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

  124,339  108,547  98,763  90,987  77,566 

Reconciliation of Funds from Operations(1)

                
 

Net income

 $142,123 $149,058 $268,007 $224,246 $185,156 
 

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

  1,643  (668) 131  212  421 
 

Preferred stock dividends

    (5,350) (7,637) (13,434) (15,163)
 

Real estate related depreciation

  135,245  123,666  118,603  100,340  77,714 
 

Depreciation in income from unconsolidated joint ventures

  4,793  5,209  4,768  1,703   
 

Gain on sale of facilities, net

  (16,948) (23,908) (154,995) (118,114) (96,791)
            
 

Funds from operations available to common stockholders

 $266,856 $248,007 $228,877 $194,953 $151,337 
            
 
 As of June 30, As of December 31, 
Balance Sheet Data(In thousands)
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 

Total real estate investments, at cost

 $2,120,860 $1,663,953 $677,589 $165,041 $ 

Total assets

  2,077,525  1,734,573  690,668  172,315  844 

Mortgage notes payable

  304,207  259,348  200,095  110,721   

Credit facility

  507,500    26,000     

Note payable

      2,500  2,500   

Total liabilities

  912,881  298,829  243,381  118,490  645 

Total equity

  1,164,644  1,435,744  447,287  53,825  199 

(1)
NHP believes that funds from operations is an important non-GAAP supplemental measure of operating performance because it excludes the effect of depreciation and gains (losses) from sales of facilities (both of which are based on historical costs which may be of limited relevance in evaluating current performance).

Additionally, funds from operations is used by NHP and widely used by industry analysts as a measure of operating performance for equity REITs. NHP therefore discloses funds from operations, although it is a measurement that is not defined by GAAP. NHP calculates funds from operations in accordance with the definition used by NAREIT. Funds from operations does not represent cash generated from operating activities as defined by GAAP (funds from operations does not include changes in operating assets and liabilities) and, therefore, should not be considered as an alternative to net income as the primary indicator of operating performance or to cash flow as a measure of liquidity.


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Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

        The following table shows summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information about the combined financial condition and operating results of Ventas and NHPHCT after giving effect to the mergermergers and Ventas's and HCT's 2014 and 2013 acquisitions and other investments, dispositions and significant debt activity (including the Atria Acquisition.Holiday acquisition and Ventas's April 2014 issuance and sale of $700 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes). The unaudited pro forma financial information assumes that the merger ismergers are accounted for by applyingusing the acquisition method.method of accounting. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet data gives effect to the mergermergers and the Atria AcquisitionHoliday acquisition as if they boththe transactions had occurred on December 31, 2010.June 30, 2014. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income statement data gives effect to the mergermergers and Ventas's and HCT's 2014 and 2013 acquisitions and other investments, dispositions and significant debt activity (including the Atria AcquisitionHoliday acquisition and Ventas's April 2014 issuance and sale of $700 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes) as if they boththe transactions had occurred on January 1, 2010,2013, in each case based on the most recent valuation data available. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information listedshown below has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with (1) the more detailed unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and (2) the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of both Ventas and NHP, incorporated herein by reference, and (3) the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of Atria Senior Living Group, Inc. and One Lantern Senior Living Inc, which we refer to as One Lantern,HCT, incorporated herein by reference. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements" beginning on page 100103 and "Where You Can Find More Information"Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 131.

 
 As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2010 
 
 Ventas
Historical
 Ventas Pro
Forma for the
Atria Acquisition
 NHP Historical Total Pro Forma 
 
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Operating Data

             

Rental income

 $539,572 $565,781 $409,854 $1,019,922 

Resident fees and services

  446,301  1,046,840    1,046,840 

Interest expense

  178,863  259,373  97,329  315,107 

Property-level operating expenses

  315,953  756,687  39,536  795,616 

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

  218,370  140,313  138,867  246,637 

Per Share Data

             

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share:

             
 

Basic

 $1.39 $0.75 $1.14 $0.86 
 

Diluted

 $1.38 $0.75 $1.12 $0.85 

Shares used in computing earnings per common share:

             
 

Basic

  156,608  187,130  121,687  286,611 
 

Diluted

  157,657  188,179  124,339  289,746 

Balance Sheet Data

             

Net real estate investments

  5,444,114  8,702,770  3,861,512  16,112,629 

Total assets

  5,758,021  9,211,903  4,092,624  16,888,988 

Senior notes payable and other debt

  2,900,044  4,577,855  1,529,257  6,043,430 

Total equity

  2,390,205  3,984,552  2,333,110  9,545,577 

Other Data

             

FFO(1)

  421,506  541,535  266,856  893,891 

Normalized FFO(1)

  453,981  550,717  286,285  922,577 

(1)
Reconciliation of FFO and normalized FFO is set forth in the "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements" beginning on page 100.

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        The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is based on assumptions and estimates considered appropriate by Ventas's management; however, it is not necessarily indicative of the combined operatingwhat Ventas's consolidated financial condition or results or financial position thatof operations actually would have occurred if suchbeen assuming the transactions had been consummated onas of the dates and in accordance with the assumptions described herein,indicated, nor is it necessarily indicativedo they purport to represent Ventas's consolidated financial position or results of the combined company'soperations for future operating results or financial position.periods. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information does not give effect to (1)include the impact of any potential revenue enhancements or cost synergies that could result frommay be achieved in the mergertransactions or the Atria Acquisition or (2) any transaction or integration costs relatingstrategies that management may consider in order to the merger or the Atria Acquisition.continue to efficiently manage Ventas's operations. In addition, as explained in more detail in the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information, the preliminary allocationallocations of the pro forma purchase price reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information isare subject to adjustment and may vary significantly from the definitive allocation of the final purchase price that will be recorded subsequent to the completion of the merger. Themergers. A final determination of the final purchase pricefair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be based on the numberactual valuations of sharesthe tangible and intangible assets and liabilities that exist as of NHP common stock outstanding and Ventas's stock price at closing.the date of completion of the acquisition. Future results may vary significantly from the results reflected in such statements.

 
 As of June 30, 2014 
 
 Ventas
Historical
 Pro Forma for
Ventas 2014
Transactions
 HCT Historical Total
Pro Forma
 
 
 (In thousands)
 

Balance Sheet Data

             

Net real estate investments

 $18,389,744 $19,394,379 $1,972,317 $22,105,197 

Total assets

  19,790,786  20,807,504  2,077,525  23,686,543 

Senior notes payable and other debt

  9,602,439  10,526,080  815,707  11,540,570 

Total equity

  8,730,659  8,705,066  1,164,644  10,430,158 


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 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 
 
 Ventas
Historical
 Pro Forma for
Ventas 2014
Transactions
 HCT
Historical
 Pro Forma for
HCT 2014
Transactions
 Total
Pro Forma
 
 
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Operating Data

                

Rental income

 $710,685 $714,612 $62,157 $67,944 $782,525 

Resident fees and services

  745,534  803,752  58,214  69,535  873,287 

Interest expense

  179,342  193,102  12,651  13,010  204,324 

Property-level operating expenses

  576,399  604,988  51,682  59,622  664,610 

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

  256,669  234,006  (104,324) (96,390) 237,140 

Per Share Data

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share:

                

Basic

 $0.87 $0.83 $(0.58)$(0.54)$0.74 

Diluted

  0.87  0.82  (0.58) (0.54) 0.73 

Shares used in computing earnings per common share:

                

Basic

  293,932  293,932  178,357  178,357  319,655 

Diluted

  296,369  296,369  178,357  178,357  323,283 

Other Data

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

FFO(1)

 $625,547 $656,124 $(43,801)$(28,654)$699,564 

Normalized FFO(1)

  654,983  676,919  (17,923) (9,114) 739,809 

(1)
A reconciliation of FFO and normalized FFO is set forth in the "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements" beginning on page 103.


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 For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 
 
 Ventas
Historical
 Pro Forma for
Ventas 2014
and 2013
Transactions
 HCT
Historical
 Pro Forma for
HCT 2014
and 2013
Transactions
 Total
Pro Forma
 
 
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Operating Data

                

Rental income

 $1,325,984 $1,394,596 $76,955 $123,869 $1,518,468 

Resident fees and services

  1,406,005  1,586,811  47,698  115,466  1,702,277 

Interest expense

  334,484  400,134  15,843  18,727  420,320 

Property-level operating expenses

  1,109,632  1,207,367  45,965  93,115  1,300,482 

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

  488,930  486,930  (22,230) (2,926) 477,633 

Per Share Data

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share:

                

Basic

 $1.67 $1.66 $(0.15)$(0.02)$1.50 

Diluted

  1.66  1.65  (0.15) (0.02) 1.48 

Shares used in computing earnings per common share:

                

Basic

  292,654  292,654  151,684  151,684  318,377 

Diluted

  295,110  295,110  151,684  151,684  322,024 

Other Data

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

FFO(1)

 $1,208,458 $1,300,427 $44,745 $124,632 $1,423,648 

Normalized FFO(1)

  1,220,709  1,305,645  58,351  122,999  1,427,233 

(1)
A reconciliation of FFO and normalized FFO is set forth in the "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements" beginning on page 103.


Equivalent andUnaudited Comparative Per Share Information

        The following table setstables set forth, as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 20102013, selected unaudited per share information for Ventas common stock on a historical and pro forma basis, giving effect to the merger and the Atria Acquisition,bases and for NHPHCT common stock on a historical and pro forma equivalent basis.bases, after giving effect to the mergers and Ventas's and HCT's 2014 and 2013 acquisitions and other investments, dispositions and significant debt activity (including the Holiday acquisition and Ventas's April 2014 issuance and sale of $700 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes) as if the transactions occurred on January 1, 2013. Except for the historical information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010,2013, the information in the table is unaudited. You should read the table below togetherin conjunction with theVentas's and HCT's historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of Ventas and NHP contained in their respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K forreports filed with the year ended December 31, 2010,SEC, which are incorporated by reference intoin this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131.

        The Ventas pro forma income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share was calculated using the methodology described below under the heading "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements," and is subject to all the assumptions, adjustments and limitations described thereunder. The Ventas pro forma cash dividends per common share represent Ventas's historical cash dividends per common share. The Ventas pro forma book value per share was calculated by dividing total pro forma combined Ventas and NHP common stockholders' equity by pro forma equivalent common shares. The NHPHCT pro forma equivalent perinformation shows the effect of the mergers from the perspective of a holder of HCT common share amounts werestock and was calculated by multiplying the Ventas pro forma amounts by the exchange ratioExchange Ratio of 0.7866.0.1688.


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        The pro forma per share data is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the transactions had been consummated at the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial position. The pro forma adjustments are estimates based upon information and assumptions available at the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 
 Ventas NHP 
 
 Historical Pro Forma Historical Pro Forma 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

             

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share, basic

 $1.39 $0.86 $1.14 $0.68 

Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share, diluted

 $1.38 $0.85 $1.12 $0.67 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 $2.14 $2.14 $1.82 $1.68 

As of December 31, 2010

             

Book value per common share

 $15.20 $37.20 $18.48 $29.26 
 
 Ventas HCT 
 
 Historical Pro Forma Historical Pro Forma
Equivalent
 

As of or for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

             

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share:

             

Basic

 $0.87 $0.74 $(0.58)$0.12 

Diluted

  0.87  0.73  (0.58) 0.12 

Distributions declared per common share

  1.45  1.45  0.34  0.24 

Book value per common share

  29.66  32.59  5.88  5.50 

As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 2013

             

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share:

             

Basic

 $1.67 $1.50 $(0.15)$0.25 

Diluted

  1.66  1.48  (0.15) 0.25 

Distributions declared per common share

  2.74  2.74  0.68  0.46 

Book value per common share

  29.89  27.51  7.15  4.64 


Comparative Ventas and HCT Market Price and Dividend Information

Ventas's Market Price and Dividend Data

        Ventas's common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "VTR." This table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of VTR's common stock, as reported by the NYSE, and distributions declared per share of Ventas common stock.

 
 Price Per Share of
Common Stock
  
 
 
 Distribution
Declared
Per Share(1)
 
 
 High Low 

2012

          

First Quarter

 $58.98 $53.68 $0.62 

Second Quarter

  63.12  54.06  0.62 

Third Quarter

  67.33  61.94  0.62 

Fourth Quarter

  65.36  61.82  0.62 

2013

          

First Quarter

 $73.20 $64.68 $0.67 

Second Quarter

  82.93  64.38  0.67 

Third Quarter

  72.16  58.86  0.67 

Fourth Quarter

  67.33  55.26  0.725 

2014

          

First Quarter

 $63.67 $56.79 $0.725 

Second Quarter

  68.40  61.29  0.725 

Third Quarter

  66.04  60.70  0.725 

Fourth Quarter (through [                  ], 2014)

  [      ]  [      ]  [      ] 

(1)
Distributions on Ventas common stock are currently declared and paid on a quarterly basis.


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HCT's Market Price Data and Dividend Data

        HCT's common stock became listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "HCT" on April 7, 2014. This table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of HCT's common stock, as reported on Nasdaq, and dividends declared per HCT common share.

 
 Price Per Share of
Common Stock
  
 
 
 Dividend Declared
Per Common
Share(1)
 
 
 High Low 

2012

          

First Quarter

  N/A  N/A $0.17 

Second Quarter

  N/A  N/A  0.17 

Third Quarter

  N/A  N/A  0.17 

Fourth Quarter

  N/A  N/A  0.17 

2013

          

First Quarter

  N/A  N/A $0.17 

Second Quarter

  N/A  N/A  0.17 

Third Quarter

  N/A  N/A  0.17 

Fourth Quarter

  N/A  N/A  0.17 

2014

          

First Quarter

  N/A  N/A $0.17 

Second Quarter

 $10.98 $9.50  0.17(2)

Third Quarter

  10.98  10.30  0.17 

Fourth Quarter (through [                  ], 2014)

  [      ]  [      ]  [      ] 

(1)
Distributions on HCT common stock are currently declared and paid on a monthly basis.

(2)
Upon HCT's listing on Nasdaq on April 7, 2014, the HCT Board authorized a cash dividend equivalent to an annual rate of $0.68 per share.

        If Ventas continues to pay cash distributions at the annualized rate of $2.90 per share following completion of the merger, this dividend, from the perspective of a holder of HCT common stock, would be equivalent to an annualized distribution of approximately $0.49 per share of HCT common stock, based on the Exchange Ratio of 0.1688.


Recent Closing Prices

        The following table sets forth the per share closing sales prices of Ventas common stock and HCT common stock as reported on the NYSE and Nasdaq, respectively, on May 30, 2014, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the execution of the merger agreement by Ventas and HCT, and on [                  ], 2014, the latest practicable trading day before the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. The following table also includes the equivalent market value per share of HCT common stock on May 30, 2014, and on [                  ], 2014, determined by multiplying the per share price of Ventas common stock by the Exchange Ratio:

 
 Ventas
Common
Stock
 HCT
Common
Stock
 Implied
Value
 

May 30, 2014

 $66.80 $9.95 $11.28 

[                  ]

  [      ]  [      ]  [      ] 

        The market price of Ventas common stock will fluctuate between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the effective time of the merger.

        Following the transaction, Ventas expects that its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE. Ventas has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued to HCT stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the effective time of the merger. If the merger is completed, shares of HCT common stock will be delisted from Nasdaq and thereafter deregistered under the Exchange Act.


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RISK FACTORS

        In addition to the other information included andcontained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed in the section entitled "Cautionary Statement RegardingConcerning Forward-Looking Statements,"Statements" beginning on page 34, you should carefully consider the following risks before deciding whether to vote for (i) if you are a Ventas stockholder, the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment, or (ii) if you are an NHP stockholder, the adoptioneach of the merger agreement and approval ofproposals to be voted on at the merger and other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.HCT special meeting. In addition, you should read and consider the risks associated with each of Ventas's and HCT's businesses, which can be found in Ventas's and HCT's respective reports filed with the businesses of VentasSEC and NHPincorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, because these risks will also affect the combined company. These risks can be found in Ventas's and NHP's respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and other reports filed by Ventas and NHP with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should also read and consider the other information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information"Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 131.127.


Risk Factors Relating to the Merger

The exchange ratio in the merger is fixed and will not be adjusted in the event of any change in either Ventas's common stock price or NHP'sHCT's common stock price.

        Upon the closingconsummation of the merger, each share of NHPHCT common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (other than shares held by HCT, Ventas or any of their respective wholly owned subsidiaries, which will be cancelled) will be converted into the right to receive 0.7866per share, at the election of the holder of such stock, subject to proration, (i) $11.33 in cash or (ii) a sharenumber of shares of Ventas common stock with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. This exchange ratioequal to the Exchange Ratio. The Exchange Ratio was fixed in the merger agreement and will not be adjusted for changes in the market priceprices of either Ventas common stock or NHPHCT common stock. Changes in the market price of Ventas common stock prior to the merger will affect the market value of the merger consideration that NHPreceived by HCT stockholders willwhose shares are converted into the right to receive on the dateshares of Ventas common stock upon completion of the merger. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors (many of which are beyond our control)the control of Ventas or HCT), including the following factors:including:

    market reaction to the announcement of the merger and the prospects of the combined company;

    changes in ourthe companies' respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities and prospects;

    changes in market assessments of the companies' respective business, operations, financial position and prospects of either company;prospects;

    market assessments of the likelihood that the merger will be completed;

    interest rates, general market and economic conditions and other factors generally affecting the price of Ventas's and NHP's common stock; and

    such as federal, state and local legislation, governmental regulation and legal developments ingenerally affecting the businessesindustries in which NHPVentas and HCT operate; and

    other factors beyond the control of either Ventas operate.or HCT, including those described or referred to elsewhere in this "Risk Factors" section.

        The market price of Ventas common stock at the closingconsummation of the merger may vary from its price on the date the merger agreement was executed, on the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and on the date of the HCT special meetings of Ventas and NHP.meeting. As a result, the market value of the mergerstock consideration represented by the exchange ratio will also vary. For example, based on the range of closing prices of Ventas common stock during the period from February 25, 2011,May 30, 2014, the last trading day before public announcement of the merger, through [    •    ], 2011,2014, the latest practicable date before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the exchange ratioExchange Ratio of 0.78660.1688 shares of Ventas common stock represented a market value for HCT common stock ranging from a low of $[    •    ] to a high of $[    •    ].] per share. The market for Ventas common stock has, from time to time, experienced price and volume fluctuations, and investors in Ventas common stock may experience a decrease in the value of their shares. Factors such as Ventas's operating performance and the performance of similar companies, actual or anticipated differences in operating results, changes in


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market valuations of similar companies, strategic decisions by Ventas, including the merger, or strategic decisions by Ventas's competitors, the realization of any of the other risk factors described herein or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, and other factors, including factors unrelated to Ventas's performance such as general market conditions and changes in interest rates that may impact other companies including Ventas's competitors, could cause the market price of Ventas common stock to fluctuate.

        Because the merger will be completed after the date of the HCT special meetings,meeting, at the time of yourthe special meeting, you will not know the exact market value of the Ventas common stock that NHPHCT stockholders electing to receive Ventas common stock will receive upon completion of the merger. You should considerIn addition, the following two risks:

    If the pricevalue of VentasHCT common stock increases betweenat the date the merger agreement was signed or the date of the Ventas special meeting and the effective timeconsummation of the merger NHP stockholders will receive shares of Ventas common stock that have a marketmay vary from its value upon completion of the merger that is greater than the market value of such shares calculated pursuant to the exchange ratio when the merger agreement was signed or the date of the Ventas special meeting, respectively. Therefore, while the number of shares of Ventas common stock to be issued per share of NHP common stock is fixed, Ventas stockholders cannot be sure of the market value of the consideration that will be paid to NHP stockholders upon completion of the merger.

    If the price of Ventas common stock declines between the date the merger agreement was signed or the date of the NHP special meeting and the effective time of the merger, including for any of the reasons described above, NHP stockholders will receive shares of Ventas common stock that have a market value upon completion of the merger that is less than the market value of such shares calculated pursuant to the exchange ratio on the date the merger agreement was signed orexecuted, on the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and on the date of the NHPHCT special meeting, respectively. Therefore, whilemeeting. As a result, the numbermarket value of HCT common stock could be more or less than $11.33, which represents the merger consideration payable if an HCT stockholder elects to receive cash (subject to proration in accordance with the merger agreement, as discussed herein).

    If you elect to receive cash consideration, you cannot be certain of the form of merger consideration that you will receive for all of your shares.

            In no event will the aggregate consideration paid in cash be paid with respect to more than 10% of the shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the consummation of the merger (including restricted shares). If the aggregate elections for payment in cash exceed such limit, then the amount of cash consideration paid with respect to cash elections will be reduced on a pro rata basis, with the remaining consideration paid in shares of Ventas common stock to be issued per sharestock. If such proration is required, holders of NHPHCT common stock is fixed, NHP stockholders cannot be surewho elected to receive cash may receive a portion of the market value of thetheir consideration in Ventas common stock they will receive upon completionstock.

    The merger and the transactions related thereto are subject to approval by common stockholders of HCT.

            Consummation of the merger orrequires the market valueapproval by HCT stockholders of Ventasthe merger agreement and the merger, which requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of HCT common stock entitled to vote on such proposal at any time after the completion of the merger.

HCT special meeting. If the required vote is not obtained, either Ventas or HCT may terminate the merger does not occur, one of the companies may incur payment obligations to the other.agreement.

        If the merger agreement is terminated, under certain circumstances, Ventas or NHPHCT may be obligated to pay the other party a termination fee of $175 million plus $20Ventas $10.0 million in expense reimbursement. Inreimbursements. Additionally, under certain circumstances, even if the termination fee is not payable, Ventas or NHPHCT may be requiredobligated to pay $20Ventas a break-up fee in the amount of $55.0 million in(with the $10.0 million expense reimbursement to the other party.credited against such break-up fee if previously paid). See "The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement—Termination Payment: Break-up Fee and Expenses Payable by NHP to Ventas"Expense Reimbursement" beginning on page 94 and "—Termination Fee and Expenses Payable by Ventas to NHP" beginning on page 95.95 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact the stock prices and the future businessbusinesses and financial results of Ventas and NHP.HCT.

        Failure to consummate the merger could negatively impact Ventas's and HCT's future businesses and financial results, and, in that event, the market price of each party's common stock may decline significantly, particularly to the extent that the current market price reflects a market assumption that the merger will be consummated. If the merger is not completed, theconsummated for any reason, Ventas's and HCT's ongoing businesses of Ventas and NHP could be adversely affected, and each of Ventas and NHPHCT will be subject to several risks, including the following:

    being required, underthe payment by Ventas and HCT of certain circumstances, to pay to the other party a termination fee of $175 million and/or $20 million in expense reimbursement;

    having to pay certaincosts, including costs relating to the proposed merger, such as legal, accounting, financial advisor,advisory, filing, printing and mailing fees; and

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    the diversion of management focus and resources from operational matters and other strategic opportunities while working to implement the merger.

        If the merger is not completed, theseconsummated, Ventas and HCT will not achieve the expected benefits thereof and will be subject to the risks described above, which could materially affect the business,Ventas's and HCT's respective businesses, financial results and stock prices of Ventas or NHP.prices.


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The pendency of the merger could adversely affect the business and operations of Ventas and NHP.HCT.

        In connection with the pending merger, some customerstenants, operators, borrowers, managers or vendors of each of Ventas and NHPor HCT may delay or defer decisions, which could negatively impact the revenues, earnings, cash flows and expenses of Ventas and NHP,HCT, regardless of whether the merger is completed. Similarly, current and prospective employees of Ventas and NHP may experience uncertainty about their future roles with the combined company following the merger, which may materially adversely affect the ability of each of Ventas and NHP to attract and retain key personnel during the pendency of the merger. In addition, due to operating covenants in the merger agreement, each of Ventas and NHPHCT may be unable, during the pendency of the merger, to pursue certain strategic transactions, undertake certain significant capital projects, undertake certain significant financing transactions and otherwise pursue other actions that are not in the ordinary course of business, even if such actions would prove beneficial.

Some of theThe directors and executive officers of NHPHCT have interests in seeing the merger completed that are different from, or in addition to, those of the other NHPHCT stockholders.

        Some of theThe directors and executive officers of NHPHCT have arrangements that provide them with interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of theHCT stockholders of NHP. These interests include, among other things, the continued service as a director or an executive officer of the combined company, severance benefits and the immediate vesting of certain stock-based awards.generally. These interests, among other things, may influence the directors and executive officers of NHPHCT to support or approve the merger. See "The Merger—Financial Interests of NHP'sHCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 65.68.

The merger agreement contains provisions that could discourage a potential competing acquirer of either NHP or VentasHCT or could result in any competing proposal being at a lower price than it might otherwise be.

        The merger agreement contains "no shop" provisions that, subject to limited exceptions, restrict NHP'sHCT's ability to solicit, encourage, facilitate, or discuss competing third-party proposals to acquire all, or a significant part, of NHP. Further, even if the NHP board of directors withdraws or qualifies its recommendation for the adoption of the merger agreement and the approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, it will still be required to submit the matter to a vote of its stockholders at its special meeting.HCT. In addition, Ventas generally has an opportunity to offer to modify the terms of the proposed merger in response to any competing acquisition proposals that may be made before the NHP board of directorsHCT Board may withdraw or qualify its recommendation.recommendation or terminate the merger agreement to enter into an acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal. Upon termination of the merger agreement in somecertain circumstances, one of the partiesHCT may be required to pay a termination fee and/or expense reimbursementpayment to the other party.Ventas. See "The Merger—The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation of Transactions by NHP"HCT" beginning on page 85 "—and "The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement—Termination Payment: Break-up Fee and Expenses Payable by NHP to Ventas" beginning on page 94, and "—Termination Fee and Expenses Payable by Ventas to NHP"Expense Reimbursement" beginning on page 95.

        These provisions could discourage a potential competing acquirer that might have an interest in acquiring all, or a significant part, of NHP or VentasHCT from considering or proposing that acquisition, even if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share cash or market value than the market value proposed to be received or realized in the merger, or might result in a potential competing acquirer proposing to pay a lower price than it might otherwise have proposed to pay because of the added expensecost of the termination fee and/or expense reimbursement or break-up fee that may become payable in certain circumstances.

There may be unexpected delays in the consummation of the merger, which could impact Ventas's ability to timely achieve the benefits associated with the merger.

        The merger is currently expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2014, assuming that all of the conditions in the merger agreement are satisfied or waived. The merger agreement provides that either Ventas or HCT may terminate the merger agreement if the merger has not occurred by


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January 31, 2015 (subject to the right of each of Ventas and HCT to extend this date for up to four successive one-month periods in certain circumstances). Certain events may delay the consummation of the merger. Some of the events that could delay the consummation of the merger include difficulties in obtaining the approval of HCT stockholders or satisfying the other closing conditions to which the merger is subject. Ventas and HCT can neither assure you that the conditions to the completion of the merger will be satisfied or waived, if permitted, or that any adverse effect, event, development or change will not occur, nor can they provide any assurances as to whether or when the merger will be completed.

The ownership percentages of Ventas and HCT stockholders will be diluted by the merger.

        The merger will dilute the ownership percentages of the current Ventas stockholders and will result in HCT stockholders having an ownership stake in Ventas that is smaller than their current stake in HCT. In connection with the merger, Ventas expects to issue approximately 25.7 million shares of its common stock to the holders of HCT common stock, excluding 1.2 million shares of Ventas common stock that may be issued upon redemption of the limited partnership units of the surviving partnership, assuming 90% of the merger consideration is paid in the form of shares of Ventas common stock, based on the number of shares of HCT common stock outstanding on the record date. Ventas stockholders and the former HCT stockholders are currently expected to hold approximately [    ]% and [    ]%, respectively, of the total number of shares of Ventas common stock outstanding immediately after the merger, based on the number of shares of common stock of each of Ventas and HCT outstanding on the record date and various assumptions regarding share issuances by each of Ventas and HCT prior to the effective time of the merger. Consequently, Ventas stockholders and HCT stockholders, as a general matter, will have less influence over the management and policies of Ventas after the merger than each group exercises over the management and policies of Ventas and HCT, as applicable, immediately prior to the merger.

An adverse judgment in a lawsuit challenging the merger may prevent the merger from becoming effective or from becoming effective within the expected timeframe.

        Stockholders of HCT may file lawsuits challenging the merger, which may name Ventas as a defendant. To date, thirteen (13) such lawsuits have been filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York and in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. All of these lawsuits name HCT, the HCT Board, Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub as defendants. Some of these lawsuits also name other parties, including HCT's CEO and other HCT-related entities, as additional defendants. All of the named plaintiffs claim to be HCT stockholders and purport to represent all holders of HCT common stock. Each complaint generally alleges that the HCT Board breached fiduciary duties owed to the plaintiffs and the other public stockholders of HCT, and that Ventas, Merger Sub and/or OP Merger Sub aided and abetted those breaches. Several of these complaints assert both direct and derivative claims; certain complaints also assert a claim for breach of contract, waste of corporate assets or unjust enrichment. Among other remedies, the complaints seek injunctive relief prohibiting the defendants from completing the proposed merger or, in the event that an injunction is not awarded, unspecified money damages, costs and attorneys' fees.

        Ventas and HCT cannot assure you as to the outcome of such lawsuits, including the amount of costs associated with defending these claims or any other liabilities that may be incurred in connection with the litigation of these claims. If plaintiffs are successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting the parties from completing the merger on the agreed-upon terms, such an injunction may delay the completion of the merger in the expected timeframe, or may prevent it from being completed altogether. Whether or not any plaintiff's claim is successful, this type of litigation is often expensive


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and diverts management's attention and resources, which could adversely affect the operation of Ventas's and HCT's businesses.

HCT's unaudited prospective financial information is based on various assumptions that may not prove to be correct.

        The unaudited prospective financial information set forth under "The Merger—Certain Unaudited Prospective Financial Information of HCT" beginning on page 65 is based on assumptions of, and information available to, HCT at the time it was prepared. Such information can be adversely affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond HCT's control. Many factors mentioned in this proxy statement/prospectus could affect HCT or the combined company's future results. HCT stockholders are urged to review the SEC filings of HCT for a description of the risk factors with respect to the business of HCT. See "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on page 34 and "Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 127. As a result of these contingencies, actual future results may vary materially from HCT's estimates. In view of these uncertainties, the inclusion of certain of HCT's unaudited prospective financial information in this proxy statement/prospectus is not and should not be viewed as a representation that the forecasted results will be achieved.

        The unaudited prospective financial information presented herein was prepared solely for internal use and not prepared with a view toward public disclosure or toward compliance with published guidelines of any regulatory or professional body. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Neither HCT nor Ventas undertakes any obligation to update the unaudited prospective financial information herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date such unaudited prospective financial information was prepared or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

        The unaudited prospective financial information included in this proxy statement/prospectus has been prepared by HCT's management. Neither HCT's independent registered public accounting firm nor any other independent accountants have compiled, examined or performed any procedures with respect to HCT's unaudited prospective financial information contained herein, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information or its achievability. The report of the independent registered public accounting firm of HCT contained in HCT's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, relates to the historical financial information of HCT. It does not extend to the unaudited prospective financial results and should not be read to do so. See "The Merger—Certain Unaudited Prospective Financial Information" beginning on page 65 for more information.

Counterparties to certain significant agreements with HCT may have consent rights in connection with the mergers.

        HCT is party to certain agreements that give the counterparty certain rights, including consent rights, in connection with "change in control" transactions or otherwise. Under certain of these agreements, the mergers may constitute a "change in control" or otherwise give rise to consent rights and, therefore, the counterparty may assert its rights in connection with the mergers. Any such counterparty may request modifications of its agreements as a condition to granting a waiver or consent under those agreements, and there can be no assurance that such counterparties will not exercise their rights under the agreements, including termination rights where available. In addition, the failure to obtain consent under one agreement may be a default under other agreements and, thereby, trigger rights of the counterparties to such other agreements, including termination rights where available.


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Ventas may incur adverse tax consequences if HCT has failed or fails to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        If HCT has failed or fails to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the merger is completed, Ventas may inherit significant tax liabilities and could lose its own REIT status should disqualifying activities continue after the merger.


Risk Factors Relating to Ventas Following the Merger

Operational Risks

Ventas expects to incur substantial expenses related to the merger.

        Ventas expects tomay incur substantial expenses in connection with completingconsummating the merger and integrating theHCT's business, operations, networks, systems, technologies, policies and procedures of NHP with those of Ventas. There are several systems that must be integrated, including accounting and finance, payroll and benefits, and asset management.its own. While Ventas has assumed thatexpects to incur a certain level of transaction and integration expenses, would be incurred, there are a number of factors beyond itsVentas's control that could affect the total amount or the timing of its integration expenses. Many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time. Moreover, Ventas expects to commence these integration initiatives before it has completedAs a similar integration of assets it expects to acquire in the Atria Acquisition, which could cause both of these integration initiatives to be delayed or rendered more costly or disruptive than would otherwise be the case. Due to these factors,result, the transaction and integration expenses associated with the merger could, particularly in the near term, exceed the savings that Ventas expects to achieve from the elimination of duplicative expenses and the realization of economies of scale and cost savings related to the integration of the businesses following the completion of the merger. As a result of these expenses, Ventas expects to take charges against its earnings before and after the completion of the merger. The charges taken after the merger are expected to be significant, although the aggregate amount and timing of such charges are uncertain at present.

Following the merger, the combined company may be unable to integrate successfully the businesses of Ventas and NHP and realize the anticipated benefits of the merger or do so within the anticipated timeframe.

        The merger involves the combination of two companies which currently operate as independent public companies. Even though the companies are operationally similar, the combined company will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of Ventas and NHP. It is possible that the integration process could result in the distraction of the combined company's management, the disruption of the combined company's ongoing business or inconsistencies in the combined company's operations, services, standards, controls, procedures and policies, any of which could adversely affect the ability of the combined company to maintain relationships with customers, vendors and employees or to fully achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger.

The future results of the combined company will suffer if the combined company does not effectively manage its expanded portfolio and operations following the merger.

        Following the merger, the combined company mayVentas will have an expanded portfolio and operations and likely will continue to expand its operations through additional acquisitions and other strategic transactions, some of which may involve complex challenges. The future success of the combined companyVentas will depend, in part, upon its ability to manage its expansion opportunities, integrate new operations into its existing business in an efficient and timely manner, successfully monitor its operations, costs, regulatory compliance and service quality, and maintain other necessary internal controls. The combined company cannot assure youThere can be no assurance that itsVentas's expansion or acquisition opportunities will be successful, or that the combined companyit will realize its expected operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements, synergies or other benefits.

The merger will result in changes to the board of directors of the combined company.

        Upon completion of the merger, the composition of the board of directors of the combined company will be different than the current boards of Ventas and NHP. The Ventas board of directors currently consists of nine directors and upon the consummation of the Atria Acquisition, a


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representative of LREP will join the Ventas board. Upon the consummation of the merger, three NHP directors, including Douglas M. Pasquale, will also be added to the Ventas board of directors. This new composition of the board of directors of the combined company may affect the future decisions of the combined company.

Following the merger, the combined companyVentas may be unable to retain key employees.

        The successintegrate successfully HCT's business and realize the anticipated benefits of Ventas after the merger or do so within the anticipated timeframe. The merger involves the combination of two companies that currently operate as independent public companies. Even though the companies are operationally similar, Ventas will dependbe required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating HCT's business practices and operations with its own. The integration process could distract management, disrupt Ventas's ongoing business or result in part upon itsinconsistencies in Ventas's operations, services, standards, controls, procedures and policies, any of which could adversely affect Ventas's ability to retain key NHPmaintain relationships with its tenants, operators, borrowers, managers, vendors and Ventas employees. Key employees may depart either before or afterto fully achieve the merger becauseanticipated benefits of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with the combined company following the merger. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that Ventas, NHP and, following the merger, the combined company will be able to retain key employees to the same extent as in the past.

The market price of Ventas common stock may decline as a result of the merger.merger, and the merger will likely result in a reduction in per share equivalent dividend payments for holders of HCT common stock who receive stock consideration.

        The market price of Ventas common stock may decline as a result of the merger if the combined companyVentas does not achieve the perceived benefits of the merger as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts, or the effect of the merger on Ventas's financial results is not consistent with the expectations of financial or industry analysts. In addition, if the merger is consummated, Ventas's stockholders will own interests in a company operating an expanded business with a different mix of properties, risks and liabilities. Current stockholders may not wish to continue to invest in Ventas if the merger is consummated, or for other reasons may wish to dispose of some or all of their shares of


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Ventas common stock. If, following the consummation of the merger, there is selling pressure on Ventas common stock that exceeds demand at the market price, the price of Ventas common stock could decline.

        If Ventas continues to pay quarterly cash dividends at the current annualized rate of $2.90 per share after the merger, this dividend, from the perspective of a holder of HCT common stock, would be equivalent to an annualized dividend of approximately $0.49 per share of HCT common stock, based on the Exchange Ratio of 0.1688. This amount is approximately 28% less than HCT's current annualized dividend rate of $0.68 per share of HCT common stock.

Following the merger, the combined company may be unable to retain key employees.

        The success of Ventas after the merger will depend in part upon its ability to retain key employees. Key employees may depart either before or after the merger because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with Ventas following the merger. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Ventas will be able to retain key employees following the merger to the same extent as in the past.

After the merger is completed, NHPHCT stockholders who receive Ventas common stock in the merger will have different rights that may be less favorable than their current rights as NHPHCT stockholders.

        After the closing of the merger, NHPHCT stockholders who receive Ventas common stock in the merger will have different rights than they currently have as NHPHCT stockholders. For a detailed discussion of yourthe significant differences between rights as a stockholder of Ventas and the significant differences between your rights as a stockholder of NHP and your rights as a stockholder of Ventas,HCT, see "Comparison of Rights of Ventas Stockholders and NHPHCT Stockholders" beginning on page 118.117.

Ventas cannot assure you that it will be able to continue paying dividendsdistributions at the current rate.

        As noted elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, Ventas plansexpects to continue its current dividenddistribution practices following the merger. However, Ventas stockholders may not receive the same dividendsdistributions following the merger for various reasons, including the following:

    as a result of the merger and the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock in connection with the merger, the total amount of cash required for Ventas to pay dividends at its current rate will increase;

    Ventas may not have enough cash to pay such dividendsdistributions due to changes in Ventas's cash requirements, capital spending plans, cash flowflows or financial position;

    decisions on whether, when and in whichwhat amounts to make any future distributions will remain at all times entirely at the discretion of the Ventas board of directors,Board, which reserves the right to change Ventas's dividend practices at any time and for any reason;

    Ventas may desire to retain cash to maintain or improve its credit ratings; and

    the amountability of dividends that Ventas's subsidiaries may distributeto make distributions to Ventas may be subject to restrictions imposed by state law, restrictions that may be imposed by state regulators, and restrictions imposed byregulation or the terms of any current or future indebtedness that these subsidiaries may incur.

Ventas's stockholders have no contractual or other legal right to dividendsdistributions that have not been declared.


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The merger will likely result in a reduction in per share equivalent dividend payments for holders of NHP common stock after the merger.

        If Ventas continues to pay quarterly cash dividends at the rate of $0.575 per share after the merger, this dividend, from the perspective of a holder of NHP common stock, would be equivalent to a quarterly dividend of approximately $0.45 per share of NHP common stock, based on the exchange ratio of 0.7866, which is approximately 6% less than NHP's most recent quarterly dividend of $0.48 per share of NHP common stock.


Legal Risks

In connection with the announcement of the merger agreement, seven lawsuits have been filed and are pending, as of April 8, 2011, seeking, among other things, to enjoin the merger and rescind the merger agreement, and an adverse judgment in any of the lawsuits may prevent the merger from becoming effective within the expected timeframe (if at all).

        As of April 8, 2011, purported stockholders of NHP have filed seven lawsuits against NHP, its directors, and, in certain cases, Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC challenging the merger. The lawsuits seek various forms of relief, including to enjoin the merger, direct the defendants to exercise certain alleged duties, rescind the merger agreement, impose a constructive trust in favor of the class upon any benefits improperly received by the defendants, and award the plaintiffs damages and expenses. If the plaintiffs are successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting the parties from completing the merger on the agreed upon terms, the injunction may prevent the completion of the merger in the expected timeframe (if it is completed at all). For more information about litigation related to the merger, see "The Merger—Litigation Relating to the Merger" beginning on page 69.

Counterparties to certain significant agreements with NHP may have consent rights in connection with the merger.

        NHP is party to certain agreements that give the counterparty certain rights, including consent rights, in connection with "change in control" transactions. Under certain of these agreements, the merger will constitute a change in control and, therefore, the counterparty may assert its rights in connection with the merger. Any such counterparty may request modifications of its agreements as a condition to granting a waiver or consent under those agreements and there can be no assurance that such counterparties will not exercise their rights under the agreements, including termination rights where available. While Ventas may request changes in the structure of the merger to avoid triggering such rights, Ventas could incur additional costs or suffer losses in connection with the exercise of any such rights or any modifications of such agreements, including any costs associated with effectuating any such changes in the structure of the merger. For more information about Ventas's right to request changes to the merger structure, see "The Merger—The Merger Agreement—Form, Effective Time and Closing of the Merger" beginning on page 76.


REIT Risks

Ventas may incur adverse tax consequences if NHP has failed or fails to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        If NHP has failed or fails to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the merger is completed, Ventas may incur significant tax liabilities, and Ventas could lose its REIT status should disqualifying activities continue after the merger.


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REITs are subject to a range of complex organizational and operational requirements.

        As REITs, each of Ventas and NHPHCT must distribute to its stockholders with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP), without regard to its stockholders. Other restrictions applythe deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain. A REIT must also meet certain requirements with respect to a REIT'sthe nature of its income and assets.assets and the ownership of its stock. For any taxable year that Ventas or NHPHCT fails to qualify as a REIT, it will not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to its stockholders in computing taxable income and thus would become subject to U.S. federal income tax as if it were a regular taxable corporation. In such an event, Ventas or NHP,HCT, as the case may be, could be subject to potentially significant tax liabilities. Unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, Ventas or NHP,HCT, as the case may be, would also be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which it lost its qualification. If Ventas or NHPHCT failed to qualify as a REIT, the market price of Ventas common stock may decline, and Ventas may need to reduce substantially the amount of distributions to its stockholders because of its potentially increased tax liability.


Ventas and NHP Face Other Risks
HCT face other risks.

        The risks listeddescribed above are not exhaustive, and you should be aware that following the merger, Ventas and NHPHCT will face various other risks, including those discussed in Ventas's and HCT's respective reports filed by Ventas and NHP with the SEC.SEC that are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information"Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 131.127.


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDINGCONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This joint proxy statement/prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus includeincludes 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.Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding Ventas's, NHP'sHCT's or their respective tenants', operators', managers'borrowers' or borrowers'managers' expected future financial position,condition, results of operations, cash flows, funds from operations, dividends and dividend plans, financing opportunities and plans, capital markets transactions, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, operating metrics, capital expenditures, competitive positions, acquisitions, investment opportunities, dispositions, merger integration, growth opportunities, dispositions, expected lease income, continued qualification as a real estate investment trust,REIT, plans and objectives of management for future operations and statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will" and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. SuchThese forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and security holders must recognize that actual results may differ from the companies'Ventas's or HCT's expectations. Except to the extent required by applicable law, neither Ventas nor NHP undertakes a duty to update such

        These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which speak only as of the date on which they are made.

difficult to predict and beyond Ventas's and NHP's actual future resultsHCT's control. These include the factors described above in "Risk Factors" and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors discussedunder the caption "Risk Factors" in their filingsVentas's and HCT's respective reports filed with the SEC. These factors include without limitation:SEC and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, as well as:

    the ability and willingness of each company's tenants, operators, borrowers, managers and other third parties to meet and/or performsatisfy their obligations under their respective contractual arrangements with the company, including, in some cases, their obligations to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the company from and against various claims, litigation and liabilities;

    the ability of each company's tenants, operators, borrowers and managers to maintain the financial strength and liquidity necessary to satisfy their respective obligations and liabilities to third parties, including without limitation obligations under their existing credit facilities and other indebtedness;

    each company's success in implementing its business strategy and its ability to identify, underwrite, finance, consummate and integrate diversifying acquisitions or investments, including Ventas's pending Atria Acquisition and thoseinvestments in different asset types and outside the United States;

    the nature and extent of future competition;competition, including new construction in the markets in which each company's seniors housing communities and MOBs are located;

    the extent of future or pending healthcare reform and regulation, including cost containment measures and changes in reimbursement policies, procedures and rates;

    increases in each company's cost of borrowing as a result of changes in interest rates and other factors;

    the ability of each company's operators and managers, as applicable, to comply with laws, rules and regulations in the operation of each company's properties, to deliver high quality services, to attract and retain qualified personnel and to attract residents and patients;

    changes in general economic conditions and/macro- or economicmicro-economic conditions in the markets in which each company may, from time to time, compete, and the effect of those changes on theeach company's revenues, earnings and its ability to access the capital markets or other sources of funds;funding sources;

    each company's ability to pay, down, refinance, restructure and/or extend its indebtedness as it becomes due;

    each company's ability and willingness to maintain its qualification as a REIT due to economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations;

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    final determination of each company's taxable net income for the year ended December 31, 20102013 and for the year ending December 31, 2011;2014;

    the ability and willingness of each company's tenants to renew their leases with the company upon expiration of the leases and each company's ability to reposition its properties on the same or better terms in the event such leases expire and are not renewed by the tenantsof nonrenewal or in the event the company exercises its right to replace an existing tenant upon default;or manager, and obligations, including indemnification obligations, each company may incur in connection with the replacement of an existing tenant or manager;

    risks associated with Ventas'seach company's senior living operating portfolio, such as factors causingthat can cause volatility in its operating income and earnings generated by its properties, including without limitation national and regional economic conditions, costs of food, materials, energy, labor and services, employee benefit costs, insurance costs and professional and general liability claims, and the timely delivery of accurate property-level financial results for those properties;

    the movement of U.S. and Canadianchanges in exchange rates;rates for any foreign currency in which Ventas may, from time to time, conduct business;

    year-over-year changes in the Consumer Price Index or the U.K. Retail Price Index and the effect of those changes on each company's earnings and the rent escalators includedcontained in its leases;Ventas's or HCT's leases and on each company's earnings;

    each company's ability and the ability of its tenants, operators, borrowers and managers to obtain and maintain adequate property, liability and other insurance from reputable and financially stable providers;

    the impact of increased operating costs and uninsured professional liability claims on theeach company's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations or that of each company's tenants, operators, borrowers and managers, and each company's ability and the ability of thoseeach company's tenants, operators, borrowers and managers to accurately estimate the magnitude of those claims;

    risks associated with each company's MOB portfolio and operations, including its ability to successfully design, develop and manage MOBs, to accurately estimate its costs in fixed fee-for-service projects and to retain key personnel;

    the ability of the hospitals on or near whose campuses each company's MOBs are located and their affiliated health systems to remain competitive and financially viable and to attract physicians and physician groups;

    each company's ability to build, maintain or expand its relationships with its existing and futureprospective hospital and health system clients;

    risks associated with each company's investments in joint ventures and unconsolidated entities, including its lack of sole decision-making authority and its reliance on its joint venture partners' financial condition;

    the impact of market or issuer events on the liquidity or value of each company's investments in marketable securities;

    merger and acquisition activity in the seniors housing and healthcare industries resulting in a change of control of, or a competitor's investment in, one or more of either company's tenants, operators, borrowers or managers or significant changes in the senior management of either company's tenants, operators, borrowers or managers;

    the impact of any litigation, financial, accounting, legal or regulatory issues or litigation that may affect either company or its major tenants, operators, borrowers or managers.managers;

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    changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and each company's ability to make estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates, which could have an effect on each company's earnings;

    the impact of expenses related to the re-audit and re-review of Ventas's historical financial statements and related matters;

    the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement;

    the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to obtain HCT stockholder approval or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including that a governmental authority may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the merger;

    risks related to disruption of management's attention from the ongoing business operations due to the proposed merger;

    the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on each company's relationships with its tenants, operators, borrowers, managers and lenders or on its operating results and businesses generally;

    the outcome of any legal proceedings relating to the merger or the merger agreement; and

    risks related to the consummation of the merger, including the risk that the merger will not be consummated within the expected time period or at all.

        Many of these factors are beyond the controlShould one or more of the companiesrisks or uncertainties described above or elsewhere in reports incorporated herein by reference occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and their management. Due to these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurances that the results anticipated by the forecasts or otherplans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements of Ventas or NHP will occur, that their respective judgments or assumptions will prove correct, or that unforeseen developments will not occur. Accordingly, youstatements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance uponon these statements, which speak only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or the date of any forecasts or otherdocument incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, as applicable.

        All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this proxy statement/prospectus are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Ventas, HCT or persons acting on their behalf may issue.

        Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Ventas and HCT disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of Ventas or NHP.which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section. See also "Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 127.


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THE COMPANIES

Ventas, Inc.

111 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 4800
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(877) 483-6827

        Ventas, together with its subsidiaries, is a real estate investment trust, which we refer to as a REIT, with a geographically diversehighly diversified portfolio of seniors housing and healthcare properties inlocated throughout the United States, Canada and Canada.the United Kingdom. As of June 30, 2014, Ventas owned nearly 1,500 properties, including seniors housing communities, medical office buildings, which we refer to as MOBs, skilled nursing and other facilities, and hospitals, and it had two new properties under development. Ventas is an S&P 500 company, and its common stock is listed on the NYSE.

        Ventas primarily acquires and owns seniors housing and healthcare properties and leases them to unaffiliated tenants or operates them through independent third-party managers. As of June 30, 2014, Ventas leased a total of 906 properties (excluding MOBs and properties classified as held for sale) to various healthcare operating companies under "triple-net" or "absolute-net" leases that obligate the tenants to pay all property-related expenses, including maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures, and engaged independent operators, such as Atria Senior Living, Inc. (which we refer to as Atria) and Sunrise Senior Living, LLC (which we refer to, together with its subsidiaries, as Sunrise), to manage a total of 241 of Ventas's seniors housing communities pursuant to long-term management agreements. Ventas's two largest tenants, Brookdale Senior Living Inc. and Kindred Healthcare, Inc., leased from Ventas 145 properties (excluding six properties included in investments in unconsolidated entities) and 99 properties, respectively, as of June 30, 2014.

        Through its Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc. subsidiary and its ownership interest in PMB Real Estate Services LLC, Ventas also provides MOB management, leasing, marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated hospitals and health systems throughout the United States. In addition, from time to time, Ventas makes secured and unsecured loans and other investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare operators or properties.

        Ventas was incorporated in Kentucky in 1983, commenced operations in 1985 and reorganized as a Delaware corporation in 1987. Ventas operates through three reportable business segments: triple-net leased properties, senior living operations and MOB operations.

        As of December 31, 2010, Ventas's portfolio consisted of 602 assets: 240 senior housing communities, 187 skilled nursing facilities, 40 hospitalsprincipal executive offices are located at 353 N. Clark Street, Suite 3300, Chicago, Illinois 60654, and 135 MOBs and other properties in 43 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. With the exception of Ventas's seniors housing communities that are managed by independent third parties, such as Sunrise, pursuant to long-term management agreements and certain of its MOBs, including those acquired in connection with Ventas's Lillibridge acquisition, Ventas leases its properties to healthcare operating companies under "triple-net" or "absolute-net" leases, which require the tenants to pay all property-related expenses. Ventas also had real estate loan and other investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare companies or properties as of December 31, 2010.

        Ventas primary business consists of acquiring, financing and owning seniors housing and healthcare properties and leasing those properties to third parties or operating those properties through independent third party managers. Through its Lillibridge subsidiary, Ventas also provides management, leasing, marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated hospitals and health systems throughout the United States.

        In October 2010, Ventas signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the real estate assets of privately-owned Atria for a total purchase price of $3.1 billion, comprised of $1.35 billion of Ventas common stock (a fixed 24.96 million shares), $150 million in cash and the assumption or repayment of $1.6 billion of net debt. Ventas will acquire from Atria 118 private pay seniors housing communities located primarily in affluent coastal markets such as the New York metropolitan area, New England and California. Atria, based in Louisville, Kentucky,telephone number is owned by private equity funds managed by LREP. Prior to the closing, Atria will spin off its management company, which will continue to operate the acquired assets under long-term management agreements with Ventas. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain conditions. Ventas expects to complete the transaction in the first half of 2011, although Ventas cannot assure you that the transaction will close on such timetable or at all.(877) 483-6827.

        Additional information about Ventas and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference ininto this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginningInformation; Incorporation by Reference" on page 131.


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NHP

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.
610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1150
Newport Beach, California 92660
Telephone: (949) 718-4400

        NHP, a Maryland corporation incorporated on October 14, 1985, is a REIT that, together with its subsidiaries, invests in healthcare related real estate, primarily seniors housing, long-term care properties and medical office buildings.

        NHP's operations are organized into two segments—triple-net leases and multi-tenant leases. In the triple-net leases segment, NHP invests in healthcare-related properties and leases the facilities to unaffiliated tenants under "triple-net" and generally "master" leases that transfer the obligation for all facility operating costs (including maintenance, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures) to the tenant. In the multi-tenant leases segment, NHP invests in healthcare related properties that have several tenants under separate leases in each building, thus requiring active management and responsibility for many of the associated operating expenses (although many of these are, or can effectively be, passed through to the tenants). During 2010, 2009 and 2008, the multi-tenant leases segment was comprised exclusively of MOBs. In addition, but to a much lesser extent because NHP views the risks of this activity to be greater due to less favorable bankruptcy treatment and other factors, from time to time, NHP extends mortgage loans and other financing to operators. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, approximately 93% of NHP's revenues were derived from its leases, with the remaining 7% from its mortgage loans and other financing activities.

        As of December 31, 2010, NHP had investments in 663 healthcare facilities, one land parcel, two development projects and two assets held for sale located in 42 states.

        Additional information about NHP and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131.


Needles AcquisitionStripe Sub, LLC

        Needles AcquisitionStripe Sub, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas,which we refer to as Merger Sub, is a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas that was formed on February 24, 2011 for the purpose of effecting the merger. Upon completion ofentering into the merger NHP will be merged with and into Needles Acquisition LLC, and the name of the surviving entity will be Nationwide Health Properties, LLC.

        Needles Acquisition LLCagreement. Merger Sub has not conducted any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated by the merger agreement. Merger Sub's offices are located at c/o Ventas, Inc. 10350 Ormsby Park Place, Suite 300, Louisville, Kentucky 40223, and its telephone number is (502) 357-9000.


Stripe OP, LP

        Stripe OP, LP, which we refer to as OP Merger Sub, is a Delaware limited partnership and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas that was formed for the purpose of entering into the merger agreement. OP Merger Sub has not conducted any activities other than those incidental to its


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formation and the matters contemplated by the merger agreement. OP Merger Sub's offices are located at c/o Ventas, Inc. 10350 Ormsby Park Place, Suite 300, Louisville, Kentucky 40223, and its telephone number is (502) 357-9000.


American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.

        HCT is a Maryland corporation incorporated on August 23, 2010 that elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with its initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011. In February 2011, HCT commenced its IPO on a "reasonable best efforts" basis of up to 150.0 million shares of common stock, at a price of $10.00 per share, subject to certain volume and other discounts. HCT closed its IPO in April 2013 and listed its common stock on Nasdaq under the symbol "HCT" on April 7, 2014.

        HCT invests primarily in real estate serving the healthcare industry in the United States. HCT owns a diversified portfolio of healthcare-related real estate, focusing predominantly on MOBs and seniors housing communities. Additionally, HCT selectively invests across the healthcare continuum in hospitals, post-acute care facilities and other properties. As of June 30, 2014, HCT owned 147 properties and one preferred equity investment, located in 30 states and comprised of 7.5 million rentable square feet.

        Substantially all of HCT's business is conducted through HCT OP. HCT has no direct employees and has retained American Realty Capital Healthcare Advisors, LLC, which we refer to as the Advisor, to manage its affairs on a day-to-day basis. HCT has also retained American Realty Capital Healthcare Properties, LLC, which we refer to as the Property Manager, to serve as its property manager. RCS served as the dealer manager of the IPO and continues to provide HCT with various strategic investment banking services. The Advisor, Property Manager and RCS are under common control with American Realty Capital V, LLC, which we refer to as the Sponsor, and, as a result thereof, they are related parties.

        HCT's principal executive offices are located at 405 Park Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10022, and its telephone number is (212) 415-6500.


Recent Transactions by Ventas

        On August 19, 2014, Ventas completed its previously announced acquisition of 29 independent living seniors housing communities located in Canada from Holiday Retirement in a separate transaction for CAD 957 million in cash, which we refer to as the Holiday acquisition. At closing, Atria assumed management of the acquired seniors housing communities, which now manages a total of 177 communities for Ventas.


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Ventas Unaudited Pro Forma Portfolio Information

        The charts below reflect the property type, geographic and operator/manager diversification of Ventas's portfolio of properties and other investments based on second quarter 2014 annualized net operating income, which we refer to as NOI, and on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the mergers and the Holiday acquisition as if the transactions had occurred on April 1, 2014. This unaudited pro forma portfolio information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what Ventas's portfolio composition actually would have been assuming the transactions had been consummated as of the date indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of Ventas's future portfolio composition. The unaudited pro forma portfolio information has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with Ventas's unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2014, included in Ventas's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter then ended, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2014, and HCT's unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2014, included in HCT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter then ended, filed with the SEC on August 12, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. See "Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 127.

        As used herein, NOI is defined as total revenues, less interest and other income, property-level operating expenses and medical office building services costs. Ventas considers NOI an important supplemental measure to net income (as determined in accordance with GAAP) because it allows investors, analysts and management to assess Ventas's unlevered property-level operating results and to compare Ventas's operating results with the operating results of other real estate companies and between periods on a consistent basis. You should not consider NOI as an alternative to net income (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of Ventas's financial performance or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of Ventas's liquidity, nor is it necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of Ventas's needs.

Property Type
Diversification(1)(2)
Geographic
Diversification(1)(2)


GRAPHIC



GRAPHIC

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Operator/Manager
Diversification(1)(2)


GRAPHIC


(1)
Totals may not add due to rounding. Excludes sold assets and assets intended for disposition.

(2)
Reflects only Ventas's portion for joint venture assets.

        In addition, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the mergers and the Holiday acquisition as if the transactions had occurred on April 1, 2014, and assuming the applicable leases are not renewed or otherwise extended, approximately 85% of Ventas's lease revenue would be derived from leases whose terms contractually expire after 2017.


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THE VENTASHCT SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time, Place and PlacePurpose of the HCT Special Meeting

        The special meeting of VentasHCT stockholders will be held at [                    •    ], on [              •    ], 2011,2014, commencing at [       •    ] a.m., local time.


Purpose The purpose of the Ventas Special Meeting

        At the VentasHCT special meeting Ventas stockholders will be asked is:

    1.
    to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the following matters:

      merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; and

    2.
    to consider and vote on a proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the approvalcompensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholdersHCT in connection with the merger;

    the approval of an amendment to the Ventas charter to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas capital stock from 310,000,000 to 610,000,000 and the total authorized shares of Ventas common stock from 300,000,000 to 600,000,000;

    the approval of any adjournments of the Ventas special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the issuance of Ventas common stock in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment; and

    any other matters that may properly be brought before the special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.merger.


Recommendation of the HCT Board of Directors of Ventas

        The Ventas board of directorsHCT Board has unanimously has(i) determined that the merger, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment, are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, VentasHCT and its stockholders and has unanimously(ii) approved the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby andby the charter amendment.

merger agreement. The Ventas board of directorsHCT Board unanimously recommends that the Ventas stockholdersyou vote "FOR" the issuanceproposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and "FOR" the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholdersHCT in connection with the mergermerger. For the reasons for this recommendation, see "The Merger—Recommendation of the HCT Board and "FOR"Its Reasons for the Ventas charter amendment to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock. The merger cannot be completed without the approval by Ventas stockholders of both of these proposals.Merger" beginning on page 53.


Ventas Record Date; Stock Entitled toWho Can Vote at the HCT Special Meeting

        The HCT Board has fixed the close of business on [              ], 2014, as the record date for determining the HCT stockholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the HCT special meeting and any postponements or adjournments thereof. Only holders of record of shares of VentasHCT common stock at the close of business on [    •    ], 2011, the record date for the Ventas special meeting, will beare entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the VentasHCT special meeting or any adjournments thereof. You may cast one vote for each share of Ventas common stock that you owned on the record date.

meeting. On the record date, there were a total of [    •    ] shares of VentasHCT common stock outstanding and entitled to votebe voted at the VentasHCT special meeting, held by approximately [    ] holders of record.

        Each share of HCT common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal at the HCT special meeting. On


Vote Required for Approval; Quorum

        Approval of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of HCT common stock entitled to vote on such proposal. Approval of the non-binding, advisory proposal to approve the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal.

        At the close of business on the record date, approximatelythe directors and executive officers of HCT and their affiliates held [    ] shares of HCT common stock, collectively representing [    ]% of the outstanding shares of VentasHCT common stock wasentitled to vote on that date.

        HCT's bylaws provide that at any meeting of stockholders, the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at such meeting on any matter will constitute a quorum. Shares that are voted, shares that are held by Ventas directorsholders who are present at the meeting in person or by proxy and who do not vote or abstain and abstentions are treated as being present at the HCT special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. If a


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quorum is not established at the meeting, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting without setting a future date or, from time to time, to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting.


Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

        Abstentions, but not broker non-votes, will be counted in determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the same effect as votes cast "AGAINST" the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, but will have no effect on the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers and their respective affiliates. Ventas currently expects that its directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholdersHCT in connection with the merger.


Manner of Authorizing Proxy

        HCT stockholders may submit their votes for or against the proposals submitted at the HCT special meeting in person or by proxy. HCT stockholders may authorize a proxy in the following ways:

    Internet.  HCT stockholders may authorize a proxy over the Internet by going to the website listed on their proxy card or voting instruction card and following the instructions.

    Telephone.  HCT stockholders may authorize a proxy using the toll-free number listed on their proxy card or voting instruction card.

    Mail.  HCT stockholders may authorize a proxy by completing, signing, dating and returning their proxy card or voting instruction card in the pre-addressed postage-paid envelope provided.

        HCT stockholders should refer to their proxy cards or the information forwarded by their broker or other nominee to see which options are available to them.

        The Internet and telephone proxy authorization procedures are designed to authenticate stockholders and to allow them to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. If you authorize a proxy over the Internet or by telephone, then you need not return a written proxy card or voting instruction card by mail. The Internet and telephone facilities available to record holders will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on [              ], 2014.

        The method by which HCT stockholders authorize a proxy will in no way limit their right to vote at the HCT special meeting if they later decide to attend the meeting and vote in person. If shares of HCT common stock are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, HCT stockholders must obtain a "legal proxy," executed in their favor, from the broker or other nominee (which may take several days), to be able to vote in person at the HCT special meeting.

        All shares of HCT common stock entitled to vote and represented by properly completed proxies received prior to the HCT special meeting, and not revoked, will be voted at the special meeting as instructed on the proxies.If HCT stockholders of record do not indicate how their shares of HCT common stock should be voted on a proposal, the shares of HCT common stock represented by their properly executed proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the HCT Board. The HCT Board recommends that you vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the Ventas charter amendment, although none has entered into any agreements obligating themother transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and "FOR" the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger. If you do so.not provide voting instructions to your broker or other nominee, your shares of HCT common stock will NOT be voted and will be considered broker non-votes.


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QuorumShares Held in "Street Name"

        Stockholders whoIf HCT stockholders hold a majority of the total number of shares of VentasHCT common stock issued and outstanding on the record date must be present or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum to organize the Ventas special meeting. All shares of Ventas common stock represented at the Ventas special meeting, including abstentions and broker non-votes (shares held bythrough a broker or other nominee that are represented at the meeting, but with respectand wish to whichvote such shares, they must return their voting instructions to the broker or other nominee.

        If HCT stockholders hold shares of HCT common stock through a broker or other nominee is not instructed byand wish to attend the HCT special meeting, they must obtain a "legal proxy" from their broker or other nominee identifying them as the beneficial owner of such shares of HCT common stock and authorizing them to vote on the particular proposal),vote.

        Shares of HCT common stock held by brokers and other nominees will NOT be treated as present for purposes of determining the presencevoted unless such HCT stockholders instruct such brokers or absence of a quorumother nominees how to organize the Ventas special meeting.vote.


Required VoteRevocation of Proxies or Voting Instructions

        The issuanceHCT stockholders of record may change their vote or revoke their proxy at any time before it is exercised at the HCT special meeting by:

    submitting notice in writing to HCT's Secretary at American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc., 405 Park Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10022, that they are revoking their proxy;

    executing and delivering a later-dated proxy card or authorizing a later-dated proxy by telephone or on the Internet; or

    attending the HCT special meeting in person and voting the shares, although attendance at the special meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy.

        HCT stockholders who hold shares of VentasHCT common stock to NHP stockholders in connection withthrough a broker or other nominee may revoke their voting instructions by following the merger and the Ventas charter amendment each require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock. The merger cannot be completed without the approvalinstructions provided by Ventas stockholders of both of these proposals. The approval of any adjournments of the Ventas special meeting, if necessary, for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Ventas common stock present,their broker or represented by proxy, at the Ventas special meeting.other nominee.


Abstentions and Broker Non-VotesTabulation of the Votes

        If you are a Ventas stockholder and fail to vote, fail to instruct your broker, bank or nominee to vote, or abstain from voting, itHCT will haveappoint an Inspector of Election for the same effect as a vote against the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and against the Ventas charter amendment to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock, but it will have no effect on the approval of any adjournments of theHCT special meeting if necessary.to determine the presence of a quorum and to tabulate the votes.


Voting at the Special MeetingSolicitation of Proxies

        Whether or not you plan to attend the Ventas special meeting, please vote your sharesThe solicitation of Ventas common stock. If your shares of Ventas common stock are held in your name, you may vote in person at the Ventas special meeting or by proxy.


Voting in Person

        If you plan to attend the Ventas special meeting and wish to vote in person, you will be given a ballot at the special meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares of Ventas common stock are held in "street name," which means your shares of Ventas common stock are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee, and you wish to vote at the Ventas special meeting, you must bring to the Ventas special meeting a proxyproxies from the record holder (your broker, bank or nominee) of the shares of Ventas common stock authorizing you to vote at the Ventas special meeting.


Voting of Proxies

        A proxy cardHCT stockholders is enclosed for your use. Ventas requests that you sign the accompanying proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. You may also vote your shares by telephone or through the Internet. Information and applicable deadlines for voting by telephone or through the Internet are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. When the accompanying proxy card is returned properly executed, the shares of Ventas common stock represented by it will be voted at the Ventas special meeting or any adjournments thereof in accordance with the instructions contained in the proxy.


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        If a proxy card is signed and returned without an indication as to how the shares of Ventas common stock represented by the proxy are to be voted with regard to a particular proposal, the Ventas common stock represented by the proxy will be voted in favor of each such proposal. At the date hereof, Ventas management has no knowledge of any business that will be presented for consideration at the special meeting and which would be required to be set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, other than the matters set forth in Ventas's accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders. In accordance with Ventas's bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, which we refer to as Delaware law, business transacted at the Ventas special meeting will be limited to those matters set forth in such notice. Nonetheless, if any other matter is properly presented at the Ventas special meeting for consideration, it is intended that the persons named in the enclosed proxy and acting thereunder will vote in accordance with their best judgment on such matter.

Your vote is important. Accordingly, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the Ventas special meeting in person.


Shares Held in Street Name

        If you hold your shares of Ventas common stock in a stock brokerage account or if your shares are held by a bank or nominee (that is, in "street name"), you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares if you wish them to be counted. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank or nominee. Please note that you may not vote shares held in street name by returning a proxy card directly to Ventas or by voting in person at the Ventas special meeting unless you provide to Ventas a "legal proxy," which you must obtain from your broker, bank or nominee. Further, brokers who hold shares of Ventas common stockmade on behalf of their customers may not vote those shares without specific instructions from their customers.

        If you are a Ventas stockholder and you do not instruct your broker, bank or nominee on how to vote any of your shares held in street name, your broker, bank or nominee may not vote those shares, whichthe HCT Board. HCT will have the same effect as a vote against the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock, but will have no effect on the approval of any adjournments of the Ventas special meeting, if necessary.


Revocability of Proxies or Voting Instructions

        If you are a holder of record on the record date for the Ventas special meeting, you have the power to revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the Ventas special meeting. You can revoke your proxy in one of three ways:

    you can send a signed notice of revocation;

    you can grant a new, valid proxy bearing a later date; or

    you can attend the Ventas special meeting and vote in person, which will automatically cancel any proxy previously given, or you can revoke your proxy in person, but your attendance alone at the Ventas special meeting will not revoke any proxy that you have previously given.

        If you choose either of the first two methods, your notice of revocation or your new proxy must be received by Ventas's General Counsel at 10350 Ormsby Park Place, Suite 300, Louisville, Kentucky 40223, no later than the beginning of the Ventas special meeting. If you have voted your shares by telephone or through the Internet, you may revoke your prior telephone or Internet vote by recording a different vote using the telephone or Internet, or by signing and returning a proxy card dated as of a date that is later than your last telephone or Internet vote.


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Solicitation of Proxies

        In accordance with the merger agreement,pay the cost of proxy solicitation for the Ventas special meeting will be borne by Ventas. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited bysoliciting proxies. Directors, officers and directors and regular employees of Ventas, without additional remuneration,HCT may solicit proxies on behalf of HCT in person or by personal interview, telephone, facsimile or otherwise. Ventasother means, for which they will also requestnot receive any additional compensation. HCT has engaged [              ] to assist it in the solicitation of proxies. HCT has agreed to pay [              ] an amount initially not expected to exceed $[      ], which includes the payment of certain fees and expenses for its services to solicit proxies. Pursuant to the HCT letter agreement, HCT will pay to RCS and ANST an aggregate amount of $1.85 million in consideration for the services provided under the HCT letter agreement, including additional assistance in the solicitation of proxies. See "The Merger—Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger."

        HCT will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees custodians and fiduciaries to forwardfor their expenses incurred in sending proxies and proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record on the record date and will provide customary reimbursement to such firms for the cost of forwarding these materials. Ventas has retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated to assist in its solicitation of proxies and has agreed to pay them a fee of $[    •    ] plus reasonable expenses for these services.HCT common stock.


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VENTAS PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO HCT STOCKHOLDERS

PROPOSAL 1: APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF VENTAS COMMON STOCKMerger Proposal

        Ventas is asking its stockholders to approve the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger. For a detailed discussion of the terms and conditions of the merger, see "The Merger—The Merger Agreement" beginning on page 75. As discussed in the section entitled "The Merger—Ventas's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation by the Ventas Board of Directors," beginning on page 46, after careful consideration, the Ventas board of directors, by a unanimous vote of all directors, approved the merger agreement and declared the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (including the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger) to be advisable and in the best interests of Ventas and its stockholders.

Required Vote

        Approval of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock. For purposes of this proposal, a failure to vote, a failure to instruct your broker, bank or nominee to vote or an abstention from voting will have the same effect as a vote against the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger.

The Ventas board of directors unanimously recommends that Ventas stockholders vote "FOR" the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger.

        The consummation of the merger is conditioned on the approval of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment that is described in Proposal 2.


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PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF THE VENTAS CHARTER AMENDMENT (Proposal 1 on the HCT Proxy Card)

        Ventas proposes to amend its charter to increase the number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock. Currently, the Ventas charter authorizes an aggregate of 310,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of 300,000,000 shares of Ventas common stock and 10,000,000 shares of Ventas preferred stock. Completion of the merger requires approval of the charter amendment because the number of shares of Ventas common stock to be issued to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger, together with the number of shares of Ventas common stock outstanding or reserved for issuance, will exceed the current aggregate number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock.

        If the charter amendment is approved, upon filing of the charter amendment with the Secretary of State of Delaware:

    the total number of authorized shares of Ventas capital stock will be increased from 310,000,000 to 610,000,000;

    the total number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock will be increased from 300,000,000 to 600,000,000; and

    the total number of authorized shares of Ventas preferred stock will remain at 10,000,000 shares.

        Ventas intends to file the charter amendment, if approved, with the Secretary of State of Delaware prior to the effectiveness of the merger. A copy of the proposed charter amendment is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Annex B. You are urged to read the charter amendment in full.

Required Vote

        Approval of the Ventas charter amendment requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock. For purposes of this proposal, a failure to vote, a failure to instruct your bank, broker or nominee to vote or an abstention from voting will have the same effect as a vote against the charter amendment.

The Ventas board of directors unanimously recommends that Ventas stockholders vote "FOR" the Ventas charter amendment.

        The consummation of the merger is conditioned on the approval of the Ventas charter amendment and the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger that is described in Proposal 1.


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PROPOSAL 3: ADJOURNMENT OF THE VENTAS SPECIAL MEETING

        VentasHCT stockholders are being asked to approve any adjournments of the Ventas special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the above proposals if there are insufficient votes at the time of such adjournment to approve such proposals.

        If, at the Ventas special meeting, the number of shares of Ventas common stock present, or represented by proxy, and voting in favor of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment is insufficient to approve such proposals, Ventas may move to adjourn the Ventas special meeting in order to enable the Ventas board of directors to solicit additional proxies for the approval of such proposals.

        Ventas is asking its stockholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the Ventas board of directors to vote in favor of granting discretionary authority to the proxy holders, and each of them individually, to adjourn the Ventas special meeting to another time and place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies. If the Ventas stockholders approve this proposal, Ventas could adjourn the Ventas special meeting and any adjourned session of the Ventas special meeting and use the additional time to solicit additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from Ventas stockholders who have previously voted.

Required Vote

        Approval of any adjournments of the Ventas special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Ventas common stock represented, in person or by proxy, at the Ventas special meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. For purposes of this proposal, a failure to vote, a failure to instruct your broker, bank or nominee to vote or an abstention from voting will have no effect.

The Ventas board of directors unanimously recommends that Ventas stockholders vote "FOR" any adjournments of the Ventas special meeting, if necessary.


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THE NHP SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place

        The special meeting of NHP stockholders is scheduled to be held at [    •    ], on [    •    ], 2011, at [    •    ] local time.


Purpose of the NHP Special Meeting

        The special meeting of NHP stockholders is being held to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 27, 2011, by and among Ventas, its wholly owned subsidiary, Needles Acquisition LLC, and NHP and to approve the merger of NHP with and into Needles Acquisition LLC and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.


Recommendation of the Board of Directors of NHP

        The board of directors of NHP has unanimously declared that the merger agreement, and merger are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, NHP and its stockholders, and has unanimously approved the merger agreement.

The NHP board of directors unanimously recommends that NHP stockholders vote "FOR" the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.


NHP Record Date; Stock Entitled to Vote

        Only holders of record of shares of NHP common stock at For detailed information regarding this proposal, see the close of business on [    •    ], 2011 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the NHP special meeting and at any adjournment of the meeting. This date is referred to as the record date for the meeting.

        On the record date, there were [    •    ] shares of NHP common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the NHP special meeting.

        As of the record date for NHP's special meeting, the directors and executive officers of NHP as a group owned and were entitled to vote approximately [    •    ] shares of NHP common stock, or approximately [    •    ]% of the outstanding shares of NHP common stock on that date. NHP currently expects that NHP's directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of adoptinginformation about the merger agreement and approving the merger throughout this proxy statement/prospectus, including the information set forth in sections entitled "The Merger" beginning on page 45 and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, although none of them has entered into any agreements obligating them to do so.


Quorum

        A quorum is necessary to hold a valid special meeting of NHP stockholders. A quorum will be present at the NHP special meeting if the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of NHP common stock entitled to vote"The Merger Agreement" beginning on the record date are present, in person or by proxy. If there are insufficient votes at the NHP special meeting to approve the merger, NHP expects the chairman of the meeting to adjourn the special meeting (from time to time in his discretion) in order to solicit additional proxies. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.


Required Vote

        The adoptionpage 72. Copies of the merger agreement and the first amendment thereto are attached as Annex A and Annex B, respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus.

        Pursuant to the merger agreement, approval of this proposal by HCT stockholders is a condition to the consummation of the merger. In the event this proposal is not approved by HCT stockholders, the merger cannot be consummated even if the other proposals related to the merger are approved.

        Approval of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirdsat least a majority of the outstanding shares of NHPHCT common stock.


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Abstentions and Broker Non-VotesRecommendation of the HCT Board

        If you are an NHP stockholder and fail to vote, fail to instruct your broker, bank or nominee to vote, or abstain from voting, it will have the same effect as a vote against the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.


Voting at the Special Meeting

        Whether or not you plan to attend the NHP special meeting, please vote your shares of NHP common stock. If your shares of NHP common stock are held in your name, you may vote in person at the NHP special meeting or by proxy.


Voting in Person

        If you plan to attend the NHP special meeting and wish to vote in person, you will be given a ballot at the special meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares of NHP common stock are held in "street name," which means your shares of NHP common stock are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee, and you wish to vote at the NHP special meeting, you must bring to the NHP special meeting a proxy from the record holder (your broker, bank or nominee) of the shares of NHP common stock authorizing you to vote at the NHP special meeting.


Voting of Proxies

        A proxy card is enclosed for your use. NHP requests that you sign the accompanying proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. You may also vote your shares by telephone or through the Internet. Information and applicable deadlines for voting by telephone or through the Internet are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. When the accompanying proxy card is returned properly executed, the shares of NHP common stock represented by it will be voted at the NHP special meeting or any adjournment thereof in accordance with the instructions contained in the proxy.

        If a proxy card is signed and returned without an indication as to how the shares of NHP common stock represented by the proxy are to be voted with regard to the proposal, the NHP common stock represented by the proxy will be voted in favor of the proposal. At the date hereof, NHP management has no knowledge of any business that will be presented for consideration at the special meeting and which would be required to be set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, other than the matters set forth in NHP's accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders. In accordance with NHP's bylaws and the Maryland General Corporation Law, which we refer to as Maryland law, business transacted at the NHP special meeting will be limited to those matters set forth in such notice. Nonetheless, if any other matter is properly presented at the NHP special meeting for consideration, it is intended that the persons named in the enclosed proxy and acting thereunder will vote in accordance with their best judgment on such matter.

Your vote is important. Accordingly, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the NHP special meeting in person.


Shares Held in Street Name

        If you hold your shares of NHP common stock in a stock brokerage account or if your shares are held by a bank or nominee (that is, in "street name"), you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares if you wish them to be counted. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank or nominee. Please note that you may not vote shares held in street name by returning a proxy card directly to NHP or by voting in person at the NHP


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special meeting unless you provide to NHP a "legal proxy," which you must obtain from your broker, bank or nominee. Further, brokers who hold shares of NHP common stock on behalf of their customers may not vote those shares without specific instructions from their customers.

        If you are an NHP stockholder and you do not instruct your broker, bank or nominee on how to vote any of your shares held in street name, your broker, bank or nominee may not vote those shares, which will have the same effect as a vote against the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.


Revocability of Proxies or Voting Instructions

        If you are a holder of record on the record date for the NHP special meeting, you have the power to revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the NHP special meeting. You can revoke your proxy in one of three ways:

    you can send a signed notice of revocation;

    you can grant a new, valid proxy bearing a later date; or

    you can attend the NHP special meeting and vote in person, which will automatically cancel any proxy previously given, or you can revoke your proxy in person, but your attendance alone at the NHP special meeting will not revoke any proxy that you have previously given.

        If you choose either of the first two methods, your notice of revocation or your new proxy must be received by NHP's Corporate Secretary at 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1150, Newport Beach, California 92660 no later than the beginning of the NHP special meeting. If you have voted your shares by telephone or through the Internet, you may revoke your prior telephone or Internet vote by recording a different vote using the telephone or Internet, or by signing and returning a proxy card dated as of a date that is later than your last telephone or Internet vote.


Solicitation of Proxies

        In accordance with the merger agreement, the cost of proxy solicitation for the NHP special meeting will be borne by NHP. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited by officers and directors and regular employees of NHP, without additional remuneration, by personal interview, telephone, facsimile or otherwise. NHP will also request brokerage firms, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares of NHP common stock held of record on the record date and will provide customary reimbursement to such firms for the cost of forwarding these materials. NHP has retained MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to assist in its solicitation of proxies and has agreed to pay them a fee of approximately $[    •    ] plus reasonable expenses for these services.


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NHP PROPOSAL

PROPOSAL: ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE MERGER

        NHP is asking its stockholders to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. For a detailed discussion of the terms and conditions of the merger, see "The Merger—The Merger Agreement" beginning on page 75. As discussed in the section entitled "The Merger—NHP's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation by the NHP Board of Directors," beginning on page 48, after careful consideration, the NHP board of directors, by a unanimous vote, approved the merger agreement and declared the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, to be advisable and fair to and in the best interests of NHP and its stockholders.

Required Vote

        Adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of NHP common stock. For purposes of this proposal, a failure to vote, a failure to instruct your broker, bank or nominee or an abstention from voting will have the same effect as a vote against the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

The NHP board of directorsHCT Board unanimously recommends that NHPHCT stockholders vote "FOR" the adoption ofproposal to approve the merger agreement, and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.


Advisory Vote Regarding Merger-Related Compensation

(Proposal 2 on the HCT Proxy Card)

        The consummationDodd-Frank Act and Rule 14a-21(c) under the Exchange Act require HCT to provide its stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger. Information required by Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K concerning this compensation, subject to certain assumptions described therein, is presented under the heading "The Merger—Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger—Merger-Related Compensation for a Named Executive Officer of HCT."

        Accordingly, HCT stockholders are being asked to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger, as disclosed in this proxy statement/prospectus in the table entitled "Golden Parachute Compensation," including the associated narrative discussion and footnotes.

        Approval of this proposal is not a condition to completion of the merger. Accordingly, any compensation subject to this vote would still be payable regardless of the outcome of this advisory vote, subject only to the conditions applicable thereto.

        Approval of the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger is conditionedrequires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the adoptionproposal.


Recommendation of the merger agreement and approvalHCT Board

The HCT Board unanimously recommends HCT stockholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to named executive officers of HCT in connection with the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by the NHP stockholders.merger.


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THE MERGER

The following is a description of the material aspects of the merger. While Ventas and HCT believe that the following description covers the material terms of the merger, the description may not contain all of the information that is important to you. Ventas and HCT encourage you to carefully read this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the merger agreement attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex A and incorporated herein by reference, for a more complete understanding of the merger.


Effects of the Merger

        The merger involves NHP merging with and into Needles Acquisition LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas formed for the purpose of effecting the merger. Needles Acquisition LLC will be the surviving entity in the merger and will continue to be a wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas with the name Nationwide Health Properties LLC.

        In the merger, each outstanding share of NHP common stock (other than shares owned by any wholly owned subsidiary of NHP, Ventas or any subsidiary of Ventas, which will be cancelled) will be converted into the right to receive 0.7866 shares of Ventas common stock for each share of NHP common stock owned at the effective time of the merger, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. This exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted to reflect stock price changes prior to closing of the merger. Ventas stockholders will continue to hold their existing Ventas shares.


Background of the Merger

        As part of its normal strategic planning process, each year for the past several years, the NHP board of directors held a special board meeting, or allocated large amounts of time in one or more regular board meetings, to consider and discuss strategic planning. At these meetings, the NHP board has from time to time considered various strategic alternatives, including corporate merger and acquisition opportunities within the healthcare real estate sector. In recent years, this strategic planning process led to an increased emphasis on building NHP's business development staff, which contributed to a robust acquisition pipeline, focused on smaller and mid-size property acquisitions. The strategic planning process also led to NHP's entrance into the medical office building, which we refer to as MOB, segment, which evolved in 2008 into NHP's agreements with Pacific Medical Buildings, LLC, which we refer to as PMB, under which NHP acquired nearly 1.9 million square feet of medical office space, and may acquire additional MOBs developed by PMB in the future. Additionally, in the course of the strategic planning process, during 2010, NHP evaluated and considered several larger and potentially transformative transactions.

        In late July and early August 2010, NHP management initiated its annual strategic review process, with the intent of specifically evaluating the effect on its business model of the changing healthcare real estate landscape and resulting new potential opportunities and challenges for NHP, reviewing NHP's existing growth plans, and exploring various other new growth initiatives in an effort to continue to maximize long-term value for NHP stockholders. Over the preceding several years, NHP management had been successful in acquiring relatively modest-sized healthcare properties through sale/leasebacks with private regional operators. At the same time, certain other healthcare REITs had focused on larger transactions involving not only sale/leasebacks, but also strategic debt investments and participation in operations through management agreements with operators, including under the REIT Improvement Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007, which we refer to as RIDEA. NHP management further considered its options for participating in these competitive transactions, as well as various other growth initiatives and acquisition opportunities consistent with its market outlook. During 2010, NHP management became increasingly concerned about its ability to compete effectively relative to certain larger healthcare REITs and its lack of success in pursuing certain larger acquisitions. NHP management believed that, unless NHP altered its investment approach, NHP would have difficulty competing for acquisitions with the other larger healthcare REITs.

        On August 3, 2010, as a part of the NHP board's regular quarterly meeting, NHP's financial advisor, J.P. Morgan, provided the NHP board with a capital markets update and reviewed general market trends in the REIT industry,Board and the changing healthcare real estate landscape. J.P. Morgan also reviewed potential merger and acquisition activity in the healthcare REIT industry, including the range of opportunities that might be available for an acquisition or merger of NHP. To provide


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additional perspective, another financial advisor made a presentation at the same meeting, focusing on healthcare REITs and operators, and provided financial analysis on specific merger opportunities. After considerable discussion by the NHP board, including discussion in executive session, the NHP board indicated that it would be receptive to considering a merger or acquisition transaction. The NHP board directed NHP management to develop more precise information about the opportunities and risks entailed in maintaining NHP as a stand-alone entity, as compared to alternative courses of action. The NHP board of directors indicated it was comfortable with J.P. Morgan based on its prior experience working with NHP, as well as the insight it had demonstrated in recent presentations to the NHP board, and selected J.P. Morgan as the financial advisor on this matter.

        On October 18, 2010, the NHP board of directors held an all-day special meeting for the exclusive purpose of further discussing its strategic options. At this meeting, the NHP board discussed NHP's performance and operating history over the previous seven years, NHP's strategic business plans for the next seven years, and what results might be achievable through pursuit of those plans, as well as the risks and uncertainties in achieving long-term projected results. In considering NHP's strategic business plans for the next seven years, the NHP board considered the results of the extensive review conducted by NHP management and J.P. Morgan following the August 2010 board meeting with respect to NHP's stand-alone opportunities and risks, as compared to various strategic alternatives that might be available to NHP, including potential mergers and acquisitions. At the meeting, J.P. Morgan made a presentation regarding the healthcare real estate industry, specific acquisition opportunities, and various other merger and acquisition opportunities. At the conclusion of the meeting, the NHP board agreed that it would be prudent to investigate specific merger and acquisition possibilities and instructed management to coordinate with J.P. Morgan to initiate contact with a select group of large healthcare REITs with which a combination could be favorable for NHP stockholders and which were capable of executing such a transaction. After consultation with J.P. Morgan, the NHP board determined that three healthcare REITs met these criteria—Ventas and two other healthcare REITs, referred to herein as "Company A" and "Company B".

        On October 22, 2010, NHP management discussed with representatives of J.P. Morgan and NHP's outside legal counsel, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, which we refer to as Skadden Arps, a plan for a process by which J.P. Morgan, on behalf of NHP, would contact the three selected strategic merger candidates to gauge interest in a potential transaction involving NHP. During the weeks of October 25 and November 1, at the direction of NHP, representatives of J.P. Morgan conducted in-person meetings and/or telephonic discussions with the chief executive officers of Ventas, Company A and Company B.

        At its regular quarterly board meeting held on November 3 and 4, 2010, the NHP board of directors discussed a number of topics, including further discussion of NHP's strategic business plans and potential merger and acquisition opportunities. J.P. Morgan provided an update of its discussions with Ventas, Company A and Company B. A representative of Skadden Arps attended the meeting and discussed the board's duties in considering a possible transaction.

        On November 10, 2010, at the direction of NHP, representatives of J.P. Morgan met with the chief executive officer of Company A to further discuss the strategic merits of a potential combination and to address specific questions.

        During the week of November 14, 2010, while attending the NAREIT annual convention in New York, Mr. Pasquale and representatives of J.P. Morgan met separately withHCT Board have each of Ms. Cafaro, the chairman and chief executive officer of Ventas, and the chief executive officers of Company A and Company B. In each of these meetings, the parties discussed in general terms the potential for a strategic transaction and addressed specific questions with respect to a potential combination. The discussions with Ventas and Company A contemplated their acquisition of NHP, but because of Company B's relative size, the discussions with it contemplated a "merger of equals" transaction.


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        In mid-November 2010, Skadden Arps negotiated the terms of a confidentiality agreement with counsel for each of Ventas, Company A and Company B. On November 19 and 20, 2010, NHP entered into confidentiality agreements with Ventas and Company A, respectively. Following execution of their respective confidentiality agreements, each of Ventas and Company A was provided access to a virtual data room that contained limited non-public information about NHP. Company B did not sign a confidentiality agreement; however, both parties agreed to continue discussions based on publicly available information. On November 21, 2010, J.P. Morgan, at the direction of NHP, asked each of Ventas and Company A to provide a preliminary non-binding indication of its interest in a transaction with NHP by December 8, 2010.

        Throughout the remainder of November 2010, J.P. Morgan had several communications with the chief executive officer of Company B, including sharing a combination analysis and discussing specific terms related to a potential combination.

        On November 29, 2010, the NHP board of directors held a special telephonic meeting. At the meeting, representatives of J.P. Morgan reported to the NHP board regarding meetings with executives of the three healthcare REITs. Representatives of Skadden Arps described the confidentiality agreements that were entered into with Ventas and Company A. Representatives of J.P. Morgan described the information made available to Ventas and Company A in the virtual data room and the anticipated process with both of them, including the request for preliminary proposals by December 8, 2010. J.P. Morgan further reported on its ongoing discussions with Company B and the information made available to it, including the combination analysis and specific draft terms provided.

        In early December 2010, in discussions with J.P. Morgan, Company B indicated that it was not interested in continuing to discuss a transaction with NHP. NHP and its representatives continued to have discussions with representatives of both Ventas and Company A, addressing specific questions related to the information provided.

        On December 8, 2010, Company A submitted to J.P. Morgan a non-binding indication of interest pursuant to which it would acquire all outstanding shares of NHP common stock in exchange for shares of Company A common stock at a fixed exchange ratio that was equivalent to $43.94 per share of NHP common stock, based on the closing price of Company A's common stock the previous day, noted as a 24.4% premium.

        On December 13, 2010, Ventas submitted a non-binding indication of interest to J.P. Morgan to acquire all outstanding shares of NHP common stock in exchange for shares of Ventas common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of 0.800, which was equivalent to $40.28 per share of NHP common stock, based on the $50.35 closing price of Ventas common stock that day.

        On December 15, 2010, the NHP board of directors held a special meeting to discuss the specific terms of the proposals received from Ventas and Company A. In attendance at the meeting were senior officers of NHP and representatives of J.P. Morgan and Skadden Arps. A representative of Skadden Arps described the due diligence materials that had been made available to Ventas and Company A. Representatives of J.P. Morgan discussed merger activity involving healthcare REITs as well as other private company real estate acquisitions. They also updated the board regarding the decision of Company B to discontinue discussions with NHP. Representatives of J.P. Morgan described the preliminary non-binding indications of interest that had been received from each of Ventas and Company A, noting that, based on the most recent quarterly dividend payments made by each party, the proposal from Ventas would result in a 9% decline in pro forma dividend payments to NHP stockholders, while the proposal from Company A would result in a 29% increase. J.P. Morgan reviewed a number of other statistics relating to NHP, Ventas, Company A and the healthcare REIT industry in general. J.P. Morgan also discussed the potential accretion or dilution of funds from operations and adjusted funds from operations of each of Ventas and Company A based on different exchange ratios, noting that the transaction proposed by Ventas was expected to be accretive to Ventas


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and the transaction proposed by Company A was expected to be dilutive to Company A. NHP's management team presented the board with updated financial projections, which had also been provided to Ventas and Company A. The board discussed the recent decline in NHP's share price and the impact that might have on the discussions with Ventas and Company A. The board concluded the meeting with a determination that NHP's management and advisors should continue the due diligence process and discussions with both Ventas and Company A and continue to encourage them to improve upon their respective proposals.

        In response to a request from Ms. Cafaro, on December 20, 2010, NHP agreed to amend its confidentiality agreement with Ventas to permit information to be provided to two executives of the funds managed by LREP that are parties to Ventas's agreement to acquire substantially all of the real estate assets of Atria, and who are affiliated with Atria. After the confidentiality agreement was amended, Mr. Pasquale spoke with one of the LREP executives regarding the proposed transaction. Throughout the period leading up to the execution of the merger agreement, Ventas regularly consulted with these representatives of the funds regarding the proposed transaction, and the two individuals engaged directly in discussions with members of NHP's management and representatives of J.P. Morgan.

        During the last two weeks of December 2010, NHP's management and J.P. Morgan had several significant and detailed discussions with the management teams and advisors of each of Ventas and Company A regarding the documentation and information made available to Ventas and Company A in a virtual data room and otherwise responding to information requests and specific questions relating to the documentation and other information provided.

        On January 4, 2011, in response to J.P. Morgan's request for an update to its proposal, Ventas submitted a revised non-binding proposal to J.P. Morgan pursuant to which it would acquire all outstanding shares of NHP common stock at $44 per share, payable in shares of Ventas common stock, with the exchange ratio to be determined at the time of execution of a definitive agreement. Ventas's proposal represented a 23% premium to NHP's ten-day average share price as of the date of the letter, and implied an exchange ratio of 0.827, based on Ventas's closing price of $53.20 on that day.

        On January 7, 2011, in response to J.P. Morgan's request for an update to Company A's proposal, the financial advisor to Company A indicated to J.P. Morgan that Company A would revise its proposal to acquire all outstanding shares of NHP common stock in exchange for shares of Company A common stock to reflect an exchange ratio range which, based on Company A's share price on January 7, 2011, was the equivalent of between $42.86 and $47.50 per share of NHP common stock. The advisor to Company A cited the pro forma FFO dilution to Company A at the fixed exchange ratio previously proposed as the rationale for the revised range.

        On January 7, 2011, at the direction of NHP, J.P. Morgan met with the financial advisors of Ventas and Company A and provided them with a term sheet setting forth certain terms of a potential merger agreement with NHP proposed by NHP. On January 9, 2011, Ventas's financial advisor, Centerview Partners, provided J.P. Morgan with a revised version of the term sheet with Ventas's comments, which reflected that Ventas's view of those terms of the merger agreement was generally consistent with that of NHP (including agreement that the exchange ratio would be determined based on the trailing 10-day volume weighted average price of Ventas's common stock on the business day preceding the date of the merger agreement), except that Ventas increased the termination fee payable by NHP if it accepted a superior proposal from 2.0% to 3.5% of the merger consideration, and indicated that it would not pay a break-up fee to NHP if Ventas's shareholders voted against the transaction. Company A did not comment in writing on the proposed term sheet, however through their advisors commented verbally that it had no material issues with the terms provided and would seek to negotiate specific points later.

        On January 10, 2011, the NHP board of directors held a special telephonic meeting to discuss the revised proposals made by Ventas and Company A. Senior officers of NHP and representatives of


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J.P. Morgan and Skadden Arps were present at the meeting. A representative of J.P. Morgan described the revised proposals from Ventas and Company A, as well as the due diligence investigation that each company had conducted and the focus of each company's extensive ongoing due diligence questions and requests.

        In response to a request from J.P. Morgan, made at the direction of NHP, that Company A narrow its proposal range, the chief executive officer of Company A spoke directly with an NHP director on January 11, 2011, and communicated Company A's desire to move forward within the exchange ratio range provided on January 7, 2011. On January 12, 2011, Company A's advisors communicated to J.P. Morgan that Company A would narrow its proposed exchange ratio range by maintaining the top end of the previously proposed range and increasing the low end of the range. Based on Company A's share price on January 12, 2011, the revised exchange ratio range provided by Company A was the equivalent of between $44.17 and $46.95 per share of NHP common stock.

        On January 12, 2011, NHP management and representatives of J.P. Morgan met in person with Ms. Cafaro and several other Ventas executives and Ventas's financial advisors to discuss Ventas's proposal of January 4, 2011, provided further information related to the NHP business, and answered certain outstanding business and financial questions.

        On January 13, 2011, the NHP board of directors held a special meeting to discuss the proposals from Ventas and Company A. In attendance at the meeting were certain senior officers of NHP and representatives of J.P. Morgan and Skadden Arps and, by telephone, representatives of NHP's Maryland counsel, Venable LLP, which we refer to as Venable. At the meeting, representatives of Skadden Arps and Venable discussed the duties applicable to the board in considering the two proposals. Representatives of J.P. Morgan updated the board regarding the status of due diligence activities, and the terms of the current proposals from both Ventas and Company A. Representatives of J.P. Morgan also discussed with the board a wide range of financial data, including the capitalization rate implied by the current proposals. Senior officers of NHP reviewed with the board their revised projections and the assumptions underlying those projections, including the level of acquisitions necessary to achieve the projected results. The board also discussed the value of having representatives of Ventas and Company A make presentations directly to the NHP board of directors, giving the board an opportunity to meet the senior management of those companies. The board also discussed some of the terms that were likely to be part of a transaction with Ventas or Company A. At the conclusion of the meeting, the board encouraged NHP's management and advisors to continue the discussions with Ventas and Company A, and indicated a desire to obtain a price of $46 per share, based on the exchange ratio at the time of execution of a definitive agreement.

        On January 14, 2011, at the direction of NHP, representatives of J.P. Morgan contacted financial advisors to Ventas and Company A, and indicated that the NHP board of directors desired to obtain a price of $46 per share based on an exchange ratio to be set at signing. In response, Ventas's financial advisor indicated to J.P. Morgan that Ventas was not willing to pay $46 per share, that an impasse existed and that any potential increase in price would be subject to Ventas completing its due diligence review and financial analysis.

        On January 20, 2011, on behalf of NHP, J.P. Morgan provided Ventas with an initial draft of a merger agreement. On January 24, 2011, NHP and Ventas entered into a confidentiality agreement relating to information about Ventas that NHP had requested.

        During the following weeks, representatives of Ventas reiterated to NHP that substantial due diligence issues remained outstanding, including with regard to NHP's tenant Hearthstone Senior Services, L.P., which we refer to as Hearthstone, and would need to be addressed before Ventas would be willing to consider any increase in price.


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        On February 1, 2011, at NHP's request, Ventas's outside legal counsel, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which we refer to as Wachtell, provided Skadden Arps with initial comments on the draft merger agreement on behalf of Ventas. On February 3, 2011, representatives of Skadden Arps and Wachtell had a conference call to discuss the draft merger agreement. Following these discussions, Wachtell and Skadden Arps acknowledged that a number of key terms in the merger agreement remained to be resolved, including provisions related to deal protection, a "force the vote" provision that Ventas had requested and the size of a break-up fee.

        On February 3, 2011, representatives of NHP, J.P. Morgan, Skadden Arps and NHP's outside real estate counsel, Sherry, Meyerhoff, Hanson & Crance LLP, had a conference call with representatives of Ventas, Centerview Partners and Wachtell to discuss various outstanding diligence issues, including with regard to tenants, leases, business plan, change of control provisions, indebtedness, employee benefits and various consents and approvals necessary for a transaction. At the conclusion of the call, NHP and its advisors agreed to investigate and respond with respect to certain issues raised by Ventas.

        On February 8, 2011, at the direction of NHP, J.P. Morgan provided Company A with a draft merger agreement for its review. On February 11, 2011, representatives of Skadden Arps had a conference call with outside legal counsel to Company A to discuss specific terms of the draft merger agreement. J.P. Morgan had several calls with Company A's advisors, addressing questions and attempting to further narrow the exchange ratio range previously provided.

        On February 8, 2011, at the direction of NHP, representatives of J.P. Morgan informed Ventas and Company A that their respective bids were still inadequate and insufficiently detailed and that, if they could present a proposal with adequate value and a specific price or exchange ratio for NHP shares, they would be invited to make a presentation to the NHP board of directors. Both Ventas and Company A accepted the invitation to present to NHP's board on February 22, 2010, subject to improvement in pricing and providing more detail on their offers.

        On February 11, 2011, Skadden Arps distributed to Ventas and Wachtell a revised draft of the merger agreement. The revised draft did not include the "force the vote" provision and certain other key terms that Ventas had required in its initial comments to the merger agreement.

        On February 14, 2011, Ms. Cafaro and Mr. Pasquale continued their discussions regarding, among other things, NHP's business and the potential benefits of a possible transaction to both Ventas and NHP, and possible solutions to the transaction terms and due diligence items that were impeding progress.

        In mid-February 2011, it became clear that Hearthstone would be unable to pay the rent then due under its leases with NHP, and on February 15, 2011, Hearthstone asked NHP to amend certain terms of the leases to make rents achievable. Mr. Pasquale informed both Ms. Cafaro and the chief executive officer of Company A of Hearthstone's failure to pay rent and its request to modify the leases. The chief executive officer of Company A indicated that Company A continued to be interested in pursuing a merger with NHP notwithstanding Hearthstone's failure to pay its rent, but recognized that additional due diligence would be required to understand the impact of the Hearthstone situation. Ms. Cafaro indicated to Mr. Pasquale that the financial model on which Ventas had based its proposal assumed a lower rent amount from Hearthstone than the amount contractually due under its leases, and that Ventas would support a restructuring of the terms of the Hearthstone leases that would reduce the rents payable thereunder to an amount supported by current operations and, in exchange for the rent reduction, provide NHP with, among other things, the right to terminate its leases with Hearthstone and transition its management in an orderly manner at any time without cause.

        On February 15, 2011, NHP and representatives of J.P. Morgan held a conference call with Company A and its advisors to review key schedules recently posted to the virtual data room and to


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address outstanding questions. Company A and its advisors did not express any significant concerns regarding the findings of its due diligence investigations to date.

        On February 18, 2011, NHP and representatives of J.P. Morgan held several conference calls with Ventas regarding accounting, tax, finance, compensation and benefits, information technology and enterprise risk management matters. In addition, NHP and representatives of J.P. Morgan held a conference call with Ms. Cafaro and Ventas's President, Raymond J. Lewis, to discuss an overview of Ventas's strategic plan.

        On February 19, 2011, having made progress with regard to various key issues, Ventas submitted a revised non-binding proposal, subject to the approval of the Ventas board of directors, to acquire all outstanding shares of NHP common stock at $44 per share, payable in shares of Ventas common stock, with an exchange ratio that would be determined at the time a merger agreement was entered into, based on the volume weighted average price of Ventas common stock over the preceding ten trading days. The offer implied an exchange ratio of 0.781 based on Ventas's closing price of $56.36 on February 18, 2011, the most recent trading day prior to the date of Ventas's proposal, and an exchange ratio of 0.806 based on the trailing 10-day volume weighted average price of Ventas common stock on the day preceding the date of the proposal. The proposal indicated that, by this time, Ventas had substantially completed its due diligence investigation of NHP. Additionally, at this time, Ventas began to provide confidential information about Ventas to NHP and its advisors.

        On February 21, 2011, the chief executive officer of Company A informed Mr. Pasquale that Company A was not prepared to confirm a definitive proposal. Financial advisors to Company A had previously indicated to J.P. Morgan that Company A was concerned about the pro forma dilution to Company A that would result from a potential transaction in the exchange ratio range that Company A had last provided which, based on Company A's share price on the last trading day prior to February 21, 2011, was the equivalent of between $45.56 and $48.42 per share of NHP common stock. It was also acknowledged that Company A would not be invited to present at the board meeting the following day. The chief executive officer and financial advisors of Company A placed phone calls to representatives of NHP between February 22, 2011 and February 27, 2011, indicating Company A's continuing interest in a potential transaction with NHP and making overtures toward continued discussions. However, following NHP's request, Company A did not narrow, modify or confirm the exchange ratio range it had previously proposed.

        On February 22, 2011, the NHP board of directors held a special meeting. In attendance at the meeting were senior officers of NHP, and representatives of J.P. Morgan and Skadden Arps. At the meeting, Ms. Cafaro, Mr. Lewis, and Ventas's Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, John D. Cobb, made a presentation to the NHP board, and answered questions from NHP's directors. Following the departure of the Ventas representatives, the NHP board of directors discussed the Ventas proposal and recent developments. Representatives of J.P. Morgan reviewed with the NHP board a wide range of financial data as part of reviewing the Ventas proposal, including the capitalization rates implied by the proposal. J.P. Morgan also reviewed Ventas's and NHP's stock price performance, noting that Ventas's stock price had outperformed its peers' (including NHP's) stock price since December 15, 2010, as well as over a one-year period. Although Ventas's proposal of $44 per share in Ventas stock was at a nominal price slightly lower than the price the NHP board had hoped for after the January 13, 2011 board meeting, the NHP board recognized that the proposed transaction with Ventas was in the best interests of NHP and its stockholders. At the conclusion of the meeting, the NHP board determined that NHP's management and advisors should continue negotiations with Ventas, with a view to finalizing a merger agreement.

        On February 23, 2011, Mr. Pasquale and representatives of J.P. Morgan met with Ms. Cafaro, Messrs. Lewis and Cobb and a representative of Centerview Partners and discussed the basis upon which NHP would be prepared to move forward to finalize a merger agreement. NHP agreed for the first time that the merger agreement would include the "force the vote" provision that Ventas had


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requested, and Ventas agreed for the first time that the termination fee would only be 3.0% of the merger consideration and that no third party or governmental consents would be conditions to closing. The parties also agreed that the exchange ratio would be determined based on the trailing 10-day volume weighted average price of Ventas's common stock on the business day preceding the date of the merger agreement.

        Between February 23 and February 27, 2011, Ventas's and NHP's representatives and legal advisors conducted telephonic and in-person negotiations on the terms of a definitive merger agreement. During this time, senior management of Ventas and NHP, and each party's legal and financial advisors, worked to finalize their respective due diligence investigations and conducted negotiations on the terms of the definitive merger agreement.

        On February 24, 2011, the NHP board of directors held a special telephonic meeting. At this meeting, NHP's lead independent director, Robert Paulson, updated the other directors regarding the status of negotiations with Ventas and Hearthstone, based upon information he had received that day from Mr. Pasquale and representatives of J.P. Morgan.

        On February 25, 2011, NHP and Hearthstone executed definitive agreements implementing the revised lease terms.

        On February 25, 2011, representatives of NHP, J.P. Morgan, Ventas and Centerview Partners met to continue NHP's due diligence and reviewed specifically Ventas's business plan, financial projections, growth estimates and balance sheet. In addition, NHP management and representatives of J.P. Morgan met to continue NHP's due diligence and reviewed specifically Ventas's asset management systems and capabilities.

        On February 27, 2011, the Ventas board of directors held a special meeting to discuss the proposed merger with NHP. At the meeting, Ventas management provided an update to the Ventas board on the negotiation of the proposed merger and the results of its due diligence review of NHP, and reviewed the strategic rationale and anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction to Ventas stockholders. Representatives of Centerview Partners reviewed their financial analysis of the merger and answered questions from the directors. In its presentation, Centerview Partners noted that, although the nominal $44 of consideration per share of NHP common stock offered by Ventas had not changed since Ventas's proposal of January 4, 2011, the agreed-upon exchange ratio and the total number of Ventas shares to be issued in the merger were lower than the exchange ratio and total number of Ventas shares implied by the January 4th proposal because of a subsequent increase in Ventas's stock price. Centerview Partners then delivered its oral opinion, later confirmed in writing, to the Ventas board that, as of February 27, 2011, and based upon and subject to the assumptions and limitations set forth in the opinion, the exchange ratio of 0.7866 was fair, from a financial point of view, to Ventas. Representatives of Wachtell then reviewed the material terms of the proposed merger agreement. Following discussions and deliberations by Ventas's board, the Ventas board unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

        On February 27, 2011, the NHP board of directors held a special meeting at the Los Angeles office of Skadden Arps to discuss the terms of the proposed merger with Ventas. Mr. Pasquale and representatives of Skadden Arps updated the board on the status of the negotiations over the weekend, and reviewed the terms of the merger agreement. At the meeting, representatives of J.P. Morgan reviewed its financial analysis of the merger and answered questions from the directors. J.P. Morgan then rendered its oral opinion to the NHP board of directors that, as of February 27, 2011, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, procedures, factors, qualifications and limitations set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of NHP common stock. J.P. Morgan subsequently confirmed its oral opinion by delivering its written opinion, dated February 27, 2011, to the NHP board of directors. After additional discussions and deliberations, the NHP board unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger and


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the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement were advisable and fair to and in the best interests of NHP and its stockholders and approved the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. In the merger, HCT will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub surviving the merger as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas. Immediately after the effective time, OP Merger Sub will merge with and into HCT OP, with HCT OP surviving the partnership merger and Merger Sub as its sole general partner.

        In the merger, each share of HCT common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (other than shares held by HCT, Ventas or any of their respective wholly owned subsidiaries, which will be cancelled) will be converted into the right to receive per share, at the election of the holder of such stock, subject to proration as described below, (i) $11.33 in cash or (ii) a number of shares of Ventas common stock equal to the Exchange Ratio. In no event will the aggregate consideration paid in cash be paid with respect to more than 10% of the shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the consummation of the merger (including restricted shares). If the aggregate elections for payment in cash exceed such limit, then the amount of cash consideration paid with respect to cash elections will be reduced on a pro rata basis, with the remaining consideration paid in shares of Ventas common stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional shares. The NHPvalue of the cash consideration may be higher or lower than the value of the stock consideration at the time of the completion of the merger.

        Each restricted share of HCT common stock granted pursuant to HCT's equity plans that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will, immediately prior to the effective time, vest in full, and the restrictions with respect thereto will lapse. Each such restricted share will be deemed an issued and outstanding share of HCT common stock as of immediately prior to the effective time and will be entitled to receive the merger consideration determined in accordance with the merger agreement and otherwise subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including the election and proration provisions.


Background of the Merger

        HCT was formed on August 23, 2010 as a non-exchange traded, externally-advised REIT, with a focus on the acquisition of medical office buildings and healthcare-related facilities. On February 18, 2011, HCT commenced its initial public offering, which we refer to as the HCT IPO, on a "reasonable best efforts" basis to sell up to 150 million shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, at a price of $10.00 per share, subject to certain volume and other discounts.

        As of May 12, 2011, HCT had raised proceeds sufficient to break escrow in connection with the HCT IPO and on April 26, 2013, HCT closed the HCT IPO following the successful achievement of its target equity capital raise of $1.8 billion.

        On March 15, 2013, HCT announced that the HCT Board had engaged Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., which we refer to as BofA Merrill Lynch, and RCS Capital, a division of RCS, an affiliate of the Advisor, to assist in evaluating potential financing and strategic alternatives consistent with HCT's long-term business strategy.

        Following their engagement, BofA Merrill Lynch and RCS Capital analyzed potential strategic alternatives for HCT during the course of summer and autumn 2013, while HCT's management continued the process of assembling HCT's property portfolio. Throughout the process of considering


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strategic alternatives, the HCT Board consulted with HCT's management, legal counsel and financial advisors.

        On December 6, 2013, HCT announced that the HCT Board, upon consultation with BofA Merrill Lynch and RCS Capital, determined that it was in the best interests of HCT to proceed with its previously announced potential financing and strategic alternatives consistent with its long-term business strategy, which included, among other options, a listing on a national stock exchange.

        On February 24, 2014, at the suggestion of Mr. D'Arcy, the Advisor's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. D'Arcy and Debra Cafaro, Ventas's Chief Executive Officer, met at the offices of Ventas in Chicago. The meeting was arranged for the purpose of getting Mr. D'Arcy and Ms. Cafaro, as two CEOs in a common industry, together to discuss generally the companies' portfolios, the healthcare industry and market trends. In addition to Ms. Cafaro, Manisha Bathija, Ventas's Senior Investment Officer, was present at the meeting. At the meeting, Mr. D'Arcy shared with Ms. Cafaro and Ms. Bathija public information about HCT, and the participants discussed very preliminarily the compatibility of HCT's and Ventas's portfolios. No acquisition or similar proposal was made at the meeting by any of the participants. Following the meeting, HCT and Ventas shared additional publicly available information regarding one another.

        At meetings of the HCT Board and its audit committee on February 24, 2014 and February 28, 2014, HCT's management and legal advisors provided the HCT Board and audit committee further updates regarding the listing process. At a meeting of the HCT Board held on March 23, 2014, the HCT Board approved the following actions in anticipation of HCT's listing process: (i) acceptance of Mr. Schorsch's resignation as Chief Executive Officer of HCT and his appointment as Executive Chairman of the HCT Board; (ii) Mr. D'Arcy's appointment as HCT's Chief Executive Officer; (iii) Edward F. Lange Jr.'s appointment as HCT's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer; and (iv) Peter M. Budko's resignation as Executive Vice President of HCT.

        On March 30, 2014, HCT's management and representatives of BofA Merrill Lynch and RCS Capital provided the HCT Board with an overview of HCT's liquidity process, the listing of HCT's common stock on NASDAQ, HCT's portfolio strategy and competition in the healthcare REIT industry. Representatives of Proskauer Rose LLP, HCT's legal advisors in connection with the proposed transactions and regular outside counsel, which we refer to as Proskauer, were also present at the meeting. After lengthy discussion, the HCT Board approved moving forward with HCT's expedited listing on NASDAQ on or about April 7, 2014, along with a concurrent tender offer for its shares.

        On March 31, 2014, HCT announced its intention to list on NASDAQ, and on April 7, 2014, the HCT common stock was listed on NASDAQ, which we refer to as the HCT Listing. Concurrent with the HCT Listing, HCT commenced a tender offer for up to 13,636,364 shares of its common stock at $11.00 per share, which we refer to as the HCT Tender Offer.

        In accordance with the terms of the limited partnership agreement of HCT OP, upon the HCT Listing, the SLP was entitled to receive upon redemption of its special limited partnership interest in the HCT OP an aggregate amount equal to the difference between (i) 15% of the amount by which (a) the sum of (I) the "market value" of all issued and outstanding shares of HCT common stock plus (II) the sum of all distributions paid by HCT to its stockholders prior to the HCT Listing exceeded (b) the sum of (I) the total gross proceeds of all of HCT's public offerings of its common stock plus (II) an amount of cash that, if distributed to the stockholders who purchased shares of HCT's common stock in such offerings, would have provided such stockholders a 6% cumulative, non-compounded, pre-tax annual return on the gross proceeds raised in all such offerings minus (ii) any distributions received by the SLP pursuant to particular provisions of the partnership agreement prior to the date on which the HCT Listing occurred, which amount we refer to as the SLP Listing Interest. For purposes of calculating the SLP Listing Interest, "market value" was to be calculated based on the average market value of shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding at the time of the HCT Listing over the 30-day period beginning 180 days after the HCT Listing. The SLP Listing Interest was


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reflected in a Listing Note Agreement dated the date of the HCT Listing between the HCT OP and the SLP.

        At the time of the HCT Listing, the following arrangements were in place and continue to be in place:

    the Advisor was granted 9,219,108 LTIP Units of the HCT OP which units were issued subject to the terms and conditions of the OPP. The LTIP Units were structured as profits interests in the HCT OP that were convertible into OP Units and, ultimately, shares of HCT's common stock, based on the satisfaction of certain vesting criteria and profits allocations.

    HCT, HCT OP and the Advisor are parties to the Advisory Agreement, pursuant to which the Advisor is entitled to receive certain acquisition, disposition and asset management fees, which agreement may be terminated by HCT's independent directors or the Advisor upon 60 days' prior written notice; provided that certain fees may still be due after termination.

    HCT, the HCT OP and the Property Manager were and are parties to the Management Agreement, pursuant to which the HCT Manager is entitled to receive certain property management and leasing fees, which agreement may be terminated by HCT's independent directors or the HCT Manager upon 60 days' prior written notice.

        During April 2014, Ms. Cafaro and Mr. Schorsch had preliminary conversations regarding HCT's business and its existing portfolio as well as a potential acquisition of HCT by Ventas. HCT's management advised members of the HCT Board of the conversations and Ventas's potential interest in a transaction with HCT. The first conversation took place shortly after HCT's March 31, 2014 announcement of its intention to list on NASDAQ. On April 8, 2014, Ms. Cafaro and Mr. Schorsch participated in the NYU School of Professional Studies Schack Institute of Real Estate 19th Annual REIT Symposium in New York City. At a pre-symposium speakers' dinner on April 7, 2014, Ms. Cafaro and Mr. Schorsch were introduced to each other very briefly and did not discuss a potential transaction or the respective businesses of Ventas and HCT. During the symposium on April 8, 2014, Ms. Cafaro spoke with an executive whom she knew at another company with which Mr. Schorsch was affiliated, and asked whether it would make any sense to meet further with Mr. Schorsch to get to know him better and, if appropriate, to learn more about HCT. The executive arranged for an in-person meeting that day. Ms. Cafaro, accompanied by Ms. Bathija, met with Mr. Schorsch at his office in New York City for approximately one hour. During this meeting, Ms. Cafaro and Mr. Schorsch spent most of the time discussing their personal and professional backgrounds, his strategy and larger businesses, and toward the end of the meeting, and only briefly, Ms. Cafaro and Ms. Bathija asked about HCT's portfolio, and Ms. Cafaro expressed interest in learning more about HCT and in the possibility of exploring a strategic business combination between Ventas and HCT. Mr. Schorsch stated that he believed the company would be willing to provide due diligence information regarding HCT and its business to Ventas, subject to the negotiation and execution of a mutually acceptable non-disclosure agreement.

        Following the April 8, 2014 meeting, HCT and Ventas negotiated and entered into a non-disclosure agreement on April 9, 2014, which we refer to as the NDA.

        Following the execution of the NDA, and over the course of the ensuing two weeks, Ventas requested and received business, financial and legal due diligence information from HCT, including non-public information on HCT, its operations and operators, financial performance, capital structure, contracts and real estate. In addition, Ventas held several telephonic diligence meetings with HCT's senior management to review this information, including detailed discussions of historical financial information and growth expectations, operators and managers and the terms of the agreements with such operators and managers, capital structure, acquisition pipeline, terms of affiliate agreements, and accounting and financial reporting practices. In mid-April, Ventas also retained Centerview Partners LLC, which we refer to as Centerview, as its financial advisor in connection with a potential acquisition of HCT.


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        During the weekend of April 18, 2014, Ms. Cafaro and Mr. Schorsch had a telephonic conversation during which Ms. Cafaro indicated a preliminary valuation in the range of $10.75 to $11.00 per share "gross," with the amount to be received by HCT shareholders to be adjusted for any amounts that may be payable with respect to certain affiliate agreements, subject to the satisfactory completion of due diligence by Ventas as well as Ventas Board approval. Mr. Schorsch declined to consider this preliminary indication of interest because he believed the valuation reflected therein was too low, in light of his view of the value of the portfolio and the then current stock trading price of HCT, among other things. Several days later, during the week of April 21, 2014, after further analysis, Ms. Cafaro communicated to Mr. Schorsch by telephone Ventas's potential interest in exploring a transaction for enhanced consideration of $11.00 to $11.25 per share, again on a "gross" basis and subject to the completion of due diligence and Ventas Board approval. Mr. Schorsch declined to consider this revised preliminary indication of interest as well on the basis that the valuation reflected therein remained too low for the reasons indicated in his previous conversation with Ms. Cafaro.

        During March, April and May 2014, the HCT Board, together with HCT's management and advisors, evaluated and negotiated the terms of a possible business combination transaction in which HCT would have acquired a third party unrelated to Ventas, which we refer to as the Unrelated Possible Acquisition. The third party was a large healthcare REIT, which we refer to as the Unrelated Party, with assets that were complementary to those of HCT, and completion of such transaction would have resulted in HCT significantly expanding its portfolio of properties. To complete the transaction HCT would have had to, among other things, enter into asset-based financing arrangements.

        On May 2, 2014, the HCT Tender Offer expired and a total of 70,239,505 shares of HCT's common stock were properly tendered and not properly withdrawn at the purchase price of $11.00 per share. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the HCT Tender Offer, HCT accepted for purchase 13,636,364 shares of HCT's common stock at a purchase price of $11.00 per share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $150,000,000, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer.

        On May 23, 2014, Ms. Cafaro and John Cobb, Ventas's Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, called Mr. Schorsch and conveyed Ventas's interest in acquiring all outstanding shares of common stock of HCT. The Ventas indication of interest contemplated merger consideration of $11.75 per share "gross", assuming 169.3 million outstanding HCT shares on a fully-diluted basis. The amount to be received by HCT stockholders would be adjusted for any amounts payable with respect to certain affiliate agreements, with the consideration to consist of Ventas common stock at a fixed exchange ratio based on the five-day volume-weighted average price, which we refer to as VWAP, of Ventas's common stock as of May 22, 2014 close. Ms. Cafaro and Mr. Cobb indicated that Ventas would consider allowing HCT stockholders to elect to receive cash consideration with respect to up to 10% of the outstanding HCT shares.

        On May 23, 2014, the HCT Board held a special telephonic meeting, at which HCT's management, representatives of Proskauer, and RCS Capital were present, to discuss the Unrelated Possible Acquisition and inform the HCT Board about the offer from Ventas. At the meeting:

    an update was provided on the status of the Unrelated Possible Acquisition, including open points relating to such transaction. The open points included (i) the size of the reverse termination fee that would be payable to the Unrelated Party in certain situations and (ii) that the financing commitments provided for additional lender due diligence, which resulted in greater conditionality;

    HCT's management provided an overview of discussions conducted with Ventas's management;

    Mr. Schorsch outlined the proposed preliminary terms of the possible business combination transaction with Ventas, including the proposed purchase price, the premium it represented over recent trading prices and the ability of HCT shareholders to elect to receive cash or stock in the possible business combination transaction with Ventas, subject to proration; and

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    the HCT Board, along with HCT's management and legal advisors, discussed both the possible business combination transaction with Ventas and the Unrelated Possible Acquisition.

        With respect to the possible business combination transaction with Ventas, HCT's Board discussed the proposed transaction, including the transaction structure and material transaction terms, with considerable attention paid to the potential that such proposal might result in substantial long-term value creation for HCT's stockholders. The HCT Board also discussed: (i) current market conditions; (ii) the mix of consideration in the Ventas offer; and (iii) that the Ventas proposal did not contemplate a lock-up of HCT's stockholders.

        At the conclusion of the May 23, 2014 meeting, the HCT Board authorized Mr. Schorsch and HCT's management to continue to explore the possible business combination transaction with Ventas as well as the Unrelated Possible Acquisition. HCT management was also authorized to enter into an exclusivity agreement with Ventas with respect to the possible acquisition of HCT.

        Following the HCT Board meeting, Ventas' and HCT's respective representatives convened a telephonic meeting to discuss transaction structure, key terms and relevant financial information and other due diligence materials. Subsequent to such conversation, an exclusivity agreement with respect to the potential sale of HCT to Ventas was distributed.

        On May 24, 2014, HCT signed an exclusivity agreement with Ventas with respect to HCT's potential acquisition by Ventas. The exclusivity agreement provided for an exclusivity period through May 29, 2014. Also on that date, HCT retained Venable LLP, which we refer to as Venable, as special counsel to the HCT Board.

        Beginning on May 23, 2014, Ventas conducted detailed financial, business, operational and legal due diligence on HCT. As part of such process HCT provided Ventas and its advisors access to senior HCT management, as well as access to HCT's online data room, which contained business, financial and legal due diligence information on HCT, its operators and its real estate. Between May 23 and June 1, 2014, Ventas, with assistance from its advisors, reviewed these materials, conducted due diligence and engaged in diligence discussions regarding HCT's business with HCT's senior management. Also between May 23 and June 1, 2014, HCT, with assistance from its advisors, conducted financial, business, operation and legal due diligence on Ventas based on publicly available information. HCT's management and advisors were also provided access to senior Ventas management.

        On May 26, 2014, Ventas's legal advisor, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which we refer to as Wachtell Lipton, delivered to HCT and Proskauer, a proposed form of merger agreement between HCT and Ventas.

        From May 26 to June 1, 2014, representatives of HCT and Ventas engaged in extensive negotiations regarding the terms of the merger agreement. The negotiations focused on, among other things, the conditions to closing, the scope of certain restrictions on the conduct of HCT's business prior to closing, and the details of the no shop and termination provisions in the merger agreement.

        The HCT Board held a special telephonic meeting on May 26, 2014, at which it received updates on both the possible business combination transaction with Ventas and the Unrelated Possible Acquisition. At such meeting, HCT's management and representatives of Proskauer, Citi and RCS Capital were present and the HCT Board discussed the key terms of the possible business combination transaction with Ventas, including the transaction structure, the fixing of an exchange ratio based on the five-day VWAP of Ventas's common stock as of the close of trading on May 22, 2014, the initial draft of the merger agreement, the status of the due diligence review and the status of negotiations with Ventas and its advisors. At the conclusion of the meeting, the HCT Board authorized HCT's management to continue more advanced negotiations with Ventas as well as with respect to the Unrelated Possible Acquisition.

        As part of the due diligence investigations, representatives of HCT and Ventas's management met at the offices of Wachtell Lipton on May 27, 2014 to discuss due diligence of the companies. This discussion included a detailed review of HCT's operations, tax compliance matters, historical and


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expected growth, financial and accounting practices and legal information, including a review of HCT's acquisition pipeline. During this meeting, HCT and Ventas also discussed each of HCT's operators and managers in detail, including a review of the company and management, financial performance, accounting and financial reporting practices and terms of material agreements.

        Also on May 27, 2014, the legal representatives of HCT and Ventas's management met at the offices of Wachtell Lipton to discuss and resolve certain issues in the merger agreement.

        During the course of discussions between HCT and the relevant third party concerning the Unrelated Possible Acquisition, HCT and the third party disagreed with respect to several key terms, including terms relating to financing, closing conditions and termination provisions of any such transaction.

        On May 28, 2014, HCT held its annual shareholders meeting in New York City and following such meeting the HCT Board held a meeting to discuss both the possible business combination transaction with Ventas and the Unrelated Possible Acquisition. At such meeting, which was also attended by HCT's management and representatives of Proskauer, Citi and RCS Capital:

    HCT's management updated the HCT Board on certain material issues that remained unresolved relating to the Unrelated Possible Acquisition. In providing such update, HCT's management noted that since the prior board alsomeeting no progress had been made with respect to the most significant open issues, including the size of the reverse termination fee and the conditionality of the financing package;

    the independent directors of the HCT Board approved the engagement of Citi, JP Morgan and RCS Capital as HCT's financial advisors in connection with the proposed transaction with Ventas;

    HCT's management and representatives of Proskauer reviewed with the HCT Board developments in the negotiations with Ventas; and

    Citi reviewed with the HCT Board certain financial aspects of the proposed business combination transaction with Ventas.

        Following careful consideration of the material open issues in the Unrelated Possible Acquisition, including the failure of HCT and the third party to make progress regarding several material terms with respect to the Unrelated Possible Acquisition, the HCT Board determined that HCT's management should terminate discussions with respect to such transaction.

        With respect to the possible business combination transaction with Ventas, the HCT Board discussed the status of the due diligence review, the status of negotiations with Ventas and its advisors as well as the recent fluctuation in Ventas's stock price, which closed at $67.24 on May 27, and finalizing HCT's outstanding share, OP Unit and LTIP Unit count (which would affect the aggregate per share consideration to be paid). The HCT Board determined that HCT's management should continue negotiations with Ventas.

        On May 28, 2014, representatives of HCT's and Ventas's management met at the New York City office of Wachtell Lipton to continue discussions relating to due diligence and outstanding issues in the merger agreement.

        Between May 28, 2014 and May 31, 2014, Proskauer and Wachtell Lipton exchanged revised drafts of the merger agreement and together with HCT's and Ventas's management teams participated in numerous telephonic negotiation sessions. The discussions and negotiations focused on, among other things, the structure of the partnership merger, the treatment of the Listing Note Agreement, the OPP, the Advisory Agreement and the Management Agreement at closing, the deal protection provisions with respect to the merger, the treatment of each party's regular dividend prior to closing, the scope of certain restrictions on the conduct of HCT's businesses prior to closing, certain conditions and delay rights with respect to closing, including in relation to the receipt of lender consents and regulatory approvals and the scope of the parties' representations and warranties.


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        On May 29, 2014, the Ventas Board held a special telephonic meeting at which Ventas's management and representatives of Wachtell Lipton and Centerview were present, to review and consider the possible business combination transaction with HCT. At the meeting:

    Centerview reviewed with the Ventas Board certain financial aspects of the possible transaction;

    Ventas's management updated the Ventas Board on the status of the negotiations with HCT and reviewed the strategic rationale for the possible transaction and reported on management's due diligence process; and

    Wachtell Lipton updated the Ventas Board on the material terms of the merger agreement.

        At the conclusion of the May 29, 2014 meeting, following a lengthy presentation regarding the proposed transaction and related terms, and after extensive discussion and consideration, the Ventas Board preliminarily approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, and established a Transaction Committee of the Ventas Board, which we refer to as the Transaction Committee, to exercise the power and authority of the Ventas Board to provide final approval of the possible business combination transaction with HCT and the merger agreement, following satisfactory completion of due diligence and the finalization of the transaction documents.

        The members of the Transaction Committee were selected by the Ventas Board taking into consideration the experience of each member and based on the flexibility of their schedules over the ensuing weekend, during which the Ventas Board and management anticipated that the proposed transaction would be finalized, so that a meeting could be held on short notice. The duty and purpose of the Transaction Committee was to oversee the final stages of negotiations and due diligence, and the committee was authorized to confirm the completion of due diligence and confirm final approval of the merger agreement and related transaction documents in substantially the form presented to the Ventas Board at the May 29, 2014 meeting, with such changes and additions as the Transaction Committee might approve.

        The HCT Board held a special telephonic meeting on May 30, 2014, at which it extensively discussed the outstanding issues in the merger agreement. At the meeting:

    HCT's management and representatives of Proskauer reviewed with the HCT Board the developments in the negotiations with Ventas and the changes that had been effected to the merger agreement since the last meeting of the HCT Board;

    the HCT Board had discussions regarding payments to the Advisor in connection with the transaction; and

    Citi reviewed with the HCT Board its preliminary financial analyses relating to the proposed business combination transaction with Ventas.

        At the conclusion of the May 30, 2014 meeting, and after extensive discussion, the HCT Board authorized HCT's management to continue negotiations with Ventas and attempt to resolve the remaining outstanding issues.

        On May 31, 2014, Wachtell Lipton circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement and along with representatives from Proskauer and HCT's and Ventas's management teams participated in a telephonic negotiation session.

        On June 1, 2014, the HCT Board held a special telephonic meeting to consider approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Prior to this meeting, the HCT Board was provided with materials relating to the proposed business combination transaction with Ventas, including a draft merger agreement and a summary thereof. At the meeting:

    representatives of Proskauer provided a summary of the material terms of the merger agreement and discussed the results of the due diligence review of Ventas;

    representatives of Venable reviewed with the HCT Board its fiduciary duties under Maryland law when considering the acquisition of HCT;

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    the Advisor informed the HCT Board that, as part of the transaction, the Advisor and its affiliates (as applicable) would be willing to amend the Advisory Agreement, the Management Agreement and the OPP: (i) to terminate concurrently with the effective date of the merger without notice or further payment for any "tail amounts"; (ii) to waive certain other fees that would have been payable under the Advisory Agreement; (iii) to amend the Listing Note Agreement to fix the number of OP Units issuable in respect of the SLP Interest thereunder; and (iv) to cancel all outstanding LTIP Units previously granted; and

    Citi delivered to the HCT Board an oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated June 1, 2014, to the effect that, as of such date and based on and subject to various assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations and qualifications on the review undertaken, the merger consideration to be received pursuant to the merger agreement by holders of HCT common stock (other than excluded holders) was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Citi's opinion is discussed in "—Opinion of HCT's Financial Advisor" on page 57 and is attached to this proxy statement/ prospectus as Annex C.

        Following this discussion, the independent members of the HCT Board convened in private session with representatives of Proskauer and Venable to further discuss aspects relating to the merger agreement including Ventas' requirement that amounts due under the Listing Note Agreement and the OPP be liquidated and the Advisory Agreement and Management Agreement be terminated concurrently with the merger and the Advisor's proposal related thereto. The independent directors considered amounts payable to the Advisor, the SLP and the affiliates under the OPP and each of the Advisory, Management and Listing Note Agreements. Following careful consideration of the Advisor's proposal and after extensive discussions, including discussions with Proskauer and Venable, HCT's independent directors unanimously determined to approve the proposed amendments to the Listing Note Agreement, the OPP, the Advisory Agreement and the Management Agreement.

        Following a careful consideration of the proposed merger agreement, and after extensive discussion, including discussions with its financial and legal advisors, the HCT Board unanimously determined that the terms and provisions of the merger agreement negotiated with Ventas were fair and advisable to, and in the best interest of, HCT stockholders, unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and unanimously resolved unanimously to recommend to NHP'sthat HCT stockholders that they vote to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.

        On May 30, 2014, the Transaction Committee held a meeting to consider approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. Following extensive discussion with Ventas's management team, Centerview and Wachtell Lipton regarding the status of the due diligence and the terms and provisions of the merger agreement and the other transaction agreements, the Transaction Committee determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, were in the best interest of, Ventas and its stockholders and approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and resolved to ratify, adopt and approve the resolutions of the Ventas Board approving the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.

        The merger agreement was executed by the parties on the night of June 1, 2014. Prior to the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ on June 2, 2014, HCT and Ventas issued a joint press release announcing the execution of the merger agreement.


Recommendation of the HCT Board and Its Reasons for the Merger

        The HCT Board has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of HCT and its stockholders and (ii) approved the execution, delivery and performance of the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The decision of the HCT Board to enter into the merger


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        Lateragreement was the result of careful consideration by the HCT Board of numerous factors, including the following material factors:

    the value of the merger consideration of $11.33 per share of HCT common stock, based on the closing price per Ventas common share on May 30, 2014 (the last full trading day before announcement of the proposed merger), which represents a premium of approximately 14% over the closing price of $9.95 per share of HCT common stock on May 30, 2014;

    the potential benefit to HCT stockholders who receive stock consideration in the day on February 27, 2011, NHP andmerger of increases in the trading price of Ventas executedcommon stock following the announcement of the merger agreement. A joint press release announcingdue to the fixed Exchange Ratio;

    the fact that the Exchange Ratio is fixed and will not be affected by changes in the trading prices of the two companies' common stock;

    the expectation that HCT stockholders who receive stock consideration in the merger will benefit from improved liquidity as a result of the large trading volume of Ventas common stock;

    the expectation that Ventas's investment grade balance sheet provides low cost of debt capital and the ability to not rely on higher cost, secured debt for permanent financing;

    the opportunity for HCT stockholders to participate in a significantly larger company that is one of the largest publicly traded healthcare REITs;

    the HCT Board's understanding of the information concerning HCT's and Ventas's respective businesses, financial performance, condition, operations, management, competitive positions, prospects and stock performance, including the report of HCT's management regarding its due diligence review of Ventas and its assets, liabilities, earnings and financial condition;

    the HCT Board's analysis and understanding of HCT's "stand-alone" strategic alternative in the context of the increasingly competitive healthcare REIT industry, and the HCT Board's analysis of the business, operations, financial performance, earnings and prospects of HCT on a stand-alone basis;

    the opportunity for HCT stockholders to elect cash or stock consideration, providing immediate cash value to certain stockholders, while enabling others to participate in Ventas's future upside potential, subject to the proration provisions of the merger agreement;

    the certainty of the value of the cash component of the merger consideration;

    the expectation that the merger would be an accretive transaction for Ventas;

    the oral opinion of Citi, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated June 1, 2014, to the HCT Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinion, of the merger consideration to be received pursuant to the merger agreement by HCT stockholders (other than excluded holders), which opinion was based on and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations and qualifications on the review undertaken as set forth in such written opinion, as more fully described below in the section entitled "—Opinion of HCT's Financial Advisor" beginning on page 57 of this proxy statement/prospectus;

    the fact that the merger of HCT and Merger Sub is intended to qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of the Code and, therefore, is not expected to be taxable to HCT stockholders to the extent they receive solely Ventas common stock, except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares;

    the ability to complete the merger in a timely manner given the commitment of both parties to complete the merger pursuant to their respective obligations under the merger agreement;

    the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including:

    the cash and stock election provisions described above;

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      the provisions permitting HCT to furnish non-public information to, and engage in discussions or negotiations with, a third party that makes an unsolicited bona fide written proposal to engage in a business combination transaction, provided that the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, that the proposal constitutes, or is reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal (see the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation of Transactions by HCT" beginning on page 85 of this proxy statement/prospectus);

      the provisions permitting the HCT Board to, under certain circumstances, (i) withhold, withdraw, modify or qualify its recommendation with respect to the merger and terminate the merger agreement (a) if the HCT Board receives an unsolicited bona fide written proposal to engage in a business combination transaction that, in the good faith determination of the HCT Board, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, constitutes a superior proposal and (b) the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law or (ii) withhold, withdraw, modify or qualify its recommendation with respect to the merger in response to a material event or development or material change in circumstances, to the extent that such event, development or change in circumstances was not reasonably foreseeable (or if foreseeable, the consequences of which were not reasonably foreseeable), the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law, subject to the terms of the merger agreement (see the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation of Transactions by HCT" beginning on page 85 of this proxy statement/prospectus); and

      the fact that the merger is subject to the approval of HCT stockholders.

The HCT Board also identified and considered the following risks and considerations in its deliberations:

    the adverse effect on HCT stockholders who elect to receive Ventas common stock in the merger of any decreases in the trading price of Ventas common stock between the announcement of the transaction was releasedand the completion of the merger, due to the fixed Exchange Ratio; and the fact that HCT is not permitted to terminate the merger agreement solely because of changes in the market price of Ventas common stock;

    the limitation that in no event will the aggregate consideration paid in cash be paid with respect to more than 10% of the shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the openingconsummation of tradingthe merger;

    a potential reduction in the per share dividend rate for HCT stockholders who receive Ventas common stock in the merger due to migration from the current $0.68 annualized dividend paid by HCT to its stockholders to a current annualized dividend paid by Ventas of $2.90 per share, which, from the perspective of a holder of HCT common stock, would be equivalent to an annualized distribution of approximately $0.49 per share of HCT common stock, based on February 28, 2011.the Exchange Ratio of 0.1688;

    the possible disruption to HCT's business that may result from the announcement of the transaction;

    the risk that the benefits expected to result from the transaction might not be fully realized or not realized at all;

    the risk that Ventas's financial profile could change between the date of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger (including as a result of actions taken in accordance with the merger agreement), which could impact the value of the Ventas common stock HCT stockholders could receive as consideration;

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    the terms of the merger agreement restricting the operation of HCT's business during the period between the signing of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger;

    the expense reimbursement of $10 million and the break-up fee of $55 million that may be payable to Ventas if the merger agreement is terminated under circumstances specified in the merger agreement, which may discourage other parties that may otherwise have an interest in a business combination with, or an acquisition of, HCT (see the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Termination Payment: Break-up Fee and Expense Reimbursement" beginning on page 95 of this proxy statement/prospectus);

    the terms of the merger agreement that place limitations on the ability of HCT to solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or facilitate any inquiry, discussion, offer or request that would reasonably be expected to result in an acquisition proposal and to furnish non-public information to, or engage in discussions or negotiations with, a third party interested in pursuing an acquisition proposal (see the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation of Transactions by HCT" beginning on page 85 of this proxy statement/prospectus);

    the possibility that the merger may not be completed, including due to a failure to receive the required regulatory consents;

    the possibility that the merger may not be completed or may be unduly delayed because the HCT stockholders may not approve the merger agreement and the merger or other factors outside of HCT's control;

    the risk that the merger might not be completed and the effect of the resulting public announcement of termination of the merger agreement on HCT's operating results, particularly in light of the costs incurred and to be incurred in connection with the transaction, including the transaction expenses arising from the merger;

    the risk of diverting management focus and resources from operational matters and other strategic opportunities while working to implement the merger;

    the possible effects of the announcement or consummation of the merger, including any suit, action or proceeding initiated in respect of the merger; and

    the risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 26 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

        The HCT Board also considered the interests that certain executive officers and directors of HCT may have with respect to the merger in addition to their interests as stockholders of HCT generally (see the section entitled "—Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 68 of this proxy statement/prospectus), which the HCT Board considered as being neutral in its evaluation of the proposed transaction.

        Although the foregoing discussion sets forth the material factors considered by the HCT Board in reaching its recommendation, it may not include all of the factors considered by the HCT Board, and each director may have considered different factors or given different weights to different factors. In view of the variety of factors and the amount of information considered, the HCT Board did not find it practicable to, and did not, make specific assessments of, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors considered in reaching its recommendation. The HCT Board realized that there can be no assurance about future results, including results expected or considered in the factors above. However, the HCT Board concluded that the positive factors described above significantly outweighed the neutral and negative factors described above. The recommendation was made after consideration of all of the factors as a whole. This explanation of HCT's reasons for the merger and the other information presented in this section are forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed in the section entitled "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on page 34 of this proxy statement/prospectus.


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THE HCT BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY (I) DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER ARE ADVISABLE AND FAIR TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HCT AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND (II) APPROVED THE EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT, THE MERGER AND THE OTHER TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THE MERGER AGREEMENT. ACCORDINGLY, THE HCT BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE HCT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT, THE MERGER AND THE OTHER TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

        In considering the recommendation of the HCT Board with respect to the merger, you should be aware that certain of HCT's directors and officers have arrangements that cause them to have interests in the transaction that are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of HCT stockholders generally. See the section entitled "—Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 68 of this proxy statement/prospectus.


Ventas's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation by the Ventas Board of DirectorsMerger

        After careful consideration, the Ventas boardBoard and the Transaction Committee of directors, by a unanimous vote of all directors, at a meeting held on February 27, 2011,the Board approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger. In reaching itstheir decision, the Ventas board of directorsBoard and the Transaction Committee consulted with Ventas's senior management and its financial and legal advisors and considered a number of factors that the board of directorsthey believed supported itstheir decision, including the following material factors:

    Strategic and Financial Considerations.The Ventas board of directors believes that the merger will provide a number of significant strategic and financial opportunities includingthat the following:Ventas Board and the Transaction Committee believe will result from the merger, including:

    the creation of the largest healthcare REIT by equity value and one of the largest publicly traded REITs in the U.S., which is expectedfit with Ventas's strategy to position Ventas to compete for a broad spectrum of transactions and to grow and invest in existing relationships;high-quality, private pay assets, including MOBs and seniors housing communities, with significant growth potential;

    expansion of Ventas's industry-leading MOB footprint through the assemblyaddition of a high-quality portfolio of MOBs with greater diversification by geography, asset class, tenant/operatorhigh occupancy rates, long remaining lease terms and operating model than Ventas currently possesses;affiliations with strong hospital systems;

    an expansion ofpro forma capitalization that maintains the private pay component of Ventas's income, with private pay sources expected to account for approximately 70% of the combined company's $1.3 billion in net operating income;

    the creation of a truly national MOB footprint that includes Ventas's Lillibridge franchise and NHP's joint venture with Pacific Medical Buildings and extensive hospital and health-system relationships;

    the belief that the merger will be immediately accretive to Ventas's funds from operations and funds available for distribution;

    the potential for future growth by combining NHP's regional acquisition capabilities and Ventas's entity-level acquisition expertise;

    an anticipated reduction in Ventas's leverage, strengtheningstrength of Ventas's balance sheet and improvement of Ventas'sits long-term cost of capital and credit profile;

    the belief that the combined company's stockholders will benefit from a stablebroader diversification of Ventas's portfolio by geography, asset class, tenant/operator and secure dividend with above-average growth potential;operating model; and

    an opportunitythe expectation that the merger will be immediately accretive to enhance the level of management depthVentas's FFO and experience of the combined company by leveraging the talents of the combined board and management teams.funds available for distribution.

    Fixed Exchange Ratio.The Ventas board of directors considered that the exchange ratio is fixed and that it will not fluctuate as a result of changes in the price of Ventas common stock or NHP common stock and that a fixed exchange ratio limits the impact of external factors on the transaction. Additionally, the Ventas board of directors noted that, although the nominal $44 of consideration per share of NHP common stock offered by Ventas had not changed since

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      Ventas's proposal of January 4, 2011, the agreed-upon exchange ratioBoard's and the total number of Ventas shares to be issued in the merger were lower than the exchange ratio and total number of Ventas shares implied by the January 4th proposal because of a subsequent increase in Ventas's stock price.

    Opinion of Financial Advisor.  The Ventas board of directors considered the financial analyses presented to it by Centerview Partners and the opinion of Centerview Partners that, as of February 27, 2011 and based upon and subject to the assumptions and limitations set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio of 0.7866 was fair, from a financial point of view, to Ventas, as more fully described elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

    Familiarity with Businesses.  The Ventas board of directors considered itsTransaction Committee's knowledge of the business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects of Ventas and NHP,HCT, taking into account the results of Ventas's due diligence review of NHP,HCT, as well as itstheir knowledge of the current and prospective environment in which Ventas and NHPHCT operate, including economic and market conditions.

    High Likelihood of Consummation.The Ventas board of directors considered the commitment on the part of both parties to complete the business combination between Ventas and NHPHCT pursuant to their respective obligations under the terms of the merger agreement, and the likelihood that theHCT stockholder approvalsapproval needed to complete the transaction would be obtained in a timely manner.

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            The Ventas board of directorsBoard and the Transaction Committee also considereddeliberated on a variety of risks and other potentially negative factorsconsiderations concerning the merger agreement and the merger, including the following:

      the possibility that the merger may not be completed, or that completion may be unduly delayed, including because NHPHCT stockholders may not adoptapprove the merger agreement, and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement Ventas stockholders may not approve the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger or the Ventas charter amendment or because of reasons beyond the control of Ventas and/or NHP;HCT;

      the riskimpact that failure to complete the merger could negatively affecthave on the market price of Ventas common stock and future business and financial results of Ventas;

      the potential riskdiversion of diverting management focus and resources from operational matters and other strategic opportunities while working to implement the merger;

      the risk of not capturing all ofability to capture the anticipated operational synergies and cost savings between Ventas and NHPHCT and to realize the risk that other anticipated benefits might not be realizedof the merger on the expected timeframe, orif at all;

      the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the transaction, including the costs of integrating the businesses of Ventas and NHPHCT and the transaction expenses arising from the merger;

      the restrictions on the conduct of Ventas's business between the date of the merger agreement and the date of the consummation of the proposed merger;

      the obligation to pay to NHP a termination fee of $175 million and/or $20 million in expense reimbursement if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances; and

      the other factors described under "Risk Factors."

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              The above discussion of the factors considered by the Ventas board of directorsBoard and the Transaction Committee is not intended to be exhaustive, but does set forth the material factors considered by the Ventas board of directors.exhaustive. In reaching itstheir determination, the Ventas board of directorsBoard and the Transaction Committee did not quantify or assign any relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The Ventas board of directorsBoard and the Transaction Committee considered all these factors as a whole, including its discussions with, and inquiry of, Ventas's management and financial and legal advisors, and overall considered these factors to be favorable to, and to support, itstheir determination. The Ventas board


      Opinion of directors also relied on the experience of Centerview Partners, Ventas'sHCT's Financial Advisor

              HCT has retained Citi as its financial advisor for its opinion as toin connection with the proposed merger. In connection with this engagement, HCT requested that Citi evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Ventas of the exchange ratio.

      For the reasons set forth above, the Ventas board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Ventas board of directors unanimously recommends that the Ventas stockholders vote "FOR" the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and "FOR" the Ventas charter amendment.


      NHP's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation by the NHP Board of Directors

              After careful consideration, the NHP board of directors, by a unanimous vote of all directors, at a meeting held on February 27, 2011, approved the merger agreement. In the course of reaching its unanimous decision to approve the merger agreement and recommend adoption by the NHP stockholders of the merger agreement and approval by the NHP stockholders of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the NHP board of directors consulted with NHP's senior management and NHP's financial and legal advisors and considered a number of factors that the NHP board of directors believed supported its decision, including the following material factors:

        Premium Over Historical Share Prices.  The value of Ventas shares that NHP stockholders will receive in the merger, based on the Ventas closing price of $57.19 on February 25, 2011, represents a premium over historical trading prices of approximately:

        15.5%, based on the closing sales price per share of NHP common stock on February 25, 2011 (the last trading day before the proposed merger was announced); and

        19%, based on the average price per share of NHP common stock over the one-month period preceding February 25, 2011.

        Strategic and Financial Considerations.  The NHP board of directors believes that the merger will provide a number of significant strategic and financial opportunities for the combined company, including the following:

        the creation of the largest healthcare REIT by equity value and one of the largest publicly traded REITs in the United States which is expected to compete for a broad spectrum of transactions and invest in existing, growth-oriented relationships;

        the potential for future growth by combining NHP's regional acquisition capabilities and Ventas's entity-level acquisition expertise;

        the creation of a truly national MOB footprint that includes Ventas's Lillibridge franchise and NHP's joint venture with Pacific Medical Buildings and extensive hospital and health-system relationships;

        the formation of the largest seniors housing owner in the United States, with over 57,000 units and the opportunity for increased off-market investment with growth-oriented tenants and significant re-development opportunities;

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          the belief that the merger will be immediately accretive to Ventas's funds from operation and funds available for distribution;

          the expectation that the combined company, as a result of its larger size and strong balance sheet, would have an improved credit profile and lower cost of debt capital; and

          an opportunity to enhance the level of management depth and experience of the combined company by leveraging the talents of the combined board and management teams.

        Fixed Exchange Ratio.  The merger consideration is a fixed exchange ratio which will not fluctuate as a result of changes in the price of NHP common stock or Ventas common stock prior to the merger, which limits the impact of external factors on the transaction.

        Participation in Future Appreciation.  The merger consideration will be paid in shares of Ventas common stock, which provides NHP stockholders with the opportunity to participate in any future appreciation of Ventas common stock following the merger, whether from future growth in earnings or as a result of any premium paid to Ventas stockholders in connection with a future acquisition of Ventas.

        Potential for Future Dividend Increases.  Stockholders have the potential for future increases in dividend payments, based on future growth at the combined company, and Ventas's current conservative payout ratio.

        Improved Liquidity.  The merger is expected to result in improved liquidity for stockholders as a result of the increased equity capitalization and the increased stockholder base of the combined company.

        Tax-Free Transaction.  The merger is expected to qualify as a tax-free transaction to NHP stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        Strategic Alternatives.  After reviewing possible alternatives to the proposed merger with Ventas, including continuing to operate NHP as an independent company or seeking a business combination with Company A or Company B or another company, and after consultation with NHP's financial advisor, the NHP board of directors believes that it is unlikely that another party would have the ability to meet or exceed the economic and other terms being offered by Ventas and took into account the belief by NHP that an offer by another company on terms economically comparable to Ventas's offer would probably have been dilutive, and therefore reduced the value of any consideration in the form of stock to be paid to NHP stockholders.

        Superior Proposals.  The NHP board of directors has the ability to change its recommendation in favor of the merger upon receipt of a superior proposal, if failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law and after compliance with the requirements set forth in the merger agreement. The NHP board of directors, after consultation with NHP's legal and financial advisors, believes that the termination fee, equal to 3% of the equity value of the transaction, and the expense reimbursement payable by NHP in such circumstances is reasonable and will not unduly impede the ability of a third party to make a superior proposal.

        Opinion of Financial Advisor.  The NHP board of directors considered the financial analyses reviewed with the NHP board of directors by J.P. Morgan and the opinion of J.P. Morgan that, as of February 27, 2011 and based upon and subject to the assumptions, procedures, factors, qualifications and limitations set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio of 0.7866 was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of NHP common stock, as more fully described under "—Opinion of NHP's Financial Advisor."

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        Familiarity with Businesses.  The NHP board of directors considered its knowledge of the business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects of both NHP and Ventas, taking into account the results of NHP's due diligence review of Ventas, including the presentation to the NHP board of directors by Ventas's senior management, as well as its knowledge of the current and prospective environment in which NHP and Ventas operate, including economic and market conditions.

        High Likelihood of Consummation.  The NHP board of directors deems it highly likely that the merger will be completed in a timely manner given the commitment of both parties to complete the business combination pursuant to their respective obligations under the merger agreement, the absence of any significant closing conditions under the merger agreement, other than the stockholder approvals, and the likelihood that the stockholder approvals would be obtained.

              The NHP board of directors also considered a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the merger agreement and the merger, including the following:

        the fact that the merger consideration is a fixed exchange ratio which will not fluctuate as a result of changes in the price of NHP common stock or Ventas common stock prior to the merger, which means that the value of the merger consideration could decrease prior to the closing of the merger if the trading price of Ventas common stock decreases;

        that the Ventas closing price on February 25, 2011, the last trading day priorbe received pursuant to the execution of the merger agreement and the agreement upon the exchange ratio, was an all-time high;

        that based on the fixed exchange ratio and the quarterly dividend most recently paid by Ventasholders of $0.575 per share, the pro forma equivalent dividend to be paid to NHP stockholders is approximately $0.45 per share, which is less than the quarterly dividend of $0.48 per share most recently paid by NHP;

        that the "force the vote" provision in the merger agreement, which would obligate NHP to hold a stockholders meeting to consider the merger with Ventas even if a third party makes a superior proposal for NHP, might discourage other parties potentially interested in an acquisition of, or combination with, NHP from pursuing such a transaction;

        the obligation to pay to Ventas a termination fee of $175 million and/or $20 million in expense reimbursement if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances;

        the possibility that the merger may not be completed, or that completion may be unduly delayed, for reasons including the failure of NHP stockholders to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger or the failure of Ventas stockholders to approve the issuance of shares of VentasHCT common stock in connection with the merger or the Ventas charter amendment or for reasons beyond the control of NHP or Ventas;

        the risk that failure to complete the merger could negatively affect the price of NHP common stock and future business and financial results of NHP;

        the potential risk of diverting management focus and resources from operational matters and other strategic opportunities while working to implement the merger;

        the risk of not capturing all of the anticipated operational synergies and cost savings between NHP and Ventas and the risk that other anticipated benefits might not be realized on the expected timeframe or at all;

        the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the transaction, including the costs of integrating the businesses of NHP and Ventas and the transaction expenses arising from the merger;

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        the restrictions on the conduct of NHP's business between the date of the merger agreement and the date of the consummation of the proposed merger;

        the absence of appraisal rights for NHP stockholders under Maryland law; and

        the other factors described under "Risk Factors."

              In addition to considering the factors described above, the NHP board of directors considered the fact that some of NHP's directors and executive officers have other interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of NHP's stockholders generally, as discussed under "Financial Interests of NHP's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 65 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

              The above discussion of the factors considered by the NHP board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but does set forth material factors considered by the NHP board of directors. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger and the complexity of these matters, the NHP board of directors did not consider it practicable to, and did not attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative or specific weight or values to any of these factors, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The NHP board of directors viewed its position and recommendation as being based on an overall analysis of the totality of the information available to it, including discussions with, and inquiry of, NHP's management and financial and legal advisors, and overall considered these factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

              This explanation of NHP's reasons for the merger and other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and should be read in light of the "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on page 23 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

      For the reasons set forth above, the NHP board of directors unanimously declared that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, NHP and its stockholders and unanimously approved the merger agreement. The NHP board of directors unanimously recommends to NHP's stockholders that they vote "FOR" the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.


      Opinion of Ventas's Financial Advisor

      (other than excluded holders). On February 27, 2011,June 1, 2014, at a meeting of the Ventas board of directorsHCT Board held to evaluate the merger, Centerview PartnersCiti delivered to the Ventas board of directorsHCT Board an oral opinion, which was confirmed by Centerview Partners by delivery of a written opinion dated February 27, 2011,June 1, 2014, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions, matters considered, procedures followed and limitations and qualifications described in its written opinion, the exchange ratio provided for in connection withmerger consideration to be received pursuant to the merger agreement by holders of HCT common stock (other than excluded holders) was fair, from a financial point of view, to Ventas.such holders.

      The full text of theCiti's written opinion, of Centerview Partners to the Ventas board of directors,dated June 1, 2014, which describes among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, factorsmatters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The following summaryprospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.Citi's opinion was provided for the information of the Centerview Partners opinion is qualified inHCT Board (in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Centerview Partners delivered its opinion to the Ventas board of directors for the benefit and use of the Ventas board of directorscapacity as such) in connection with its considerationevaluation of the merger.

      The opinionmerger consideration from a financial point of view and financial analyses of Centerview Partners dodid not address any other aspectterms, aspects or implications of the merger. Citi was not requested to consider, and its opinion did not address, the underlying business decision of HCT to effect the merger or related transactions, the relative merits of the merger (including, without limitation,or related transactions as compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist for HCT or the fairnesseffect of any other transaction in which HCT might engage or appropriateness of the exchange ratioconsider. Citi's opinion is not intended to NHP)be and dodoes not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of any party to the merger as to how any stockholder should vote or act on any matter relating to the proposed merger or otherwise.


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      vote or act on any matter relating to the merger. The opinion and financial analyses of Centerview Partners were prepared for and delivered to the Ventas board of directors and did not evaluate the merger or the exchange ratio from the point of view of any party other than Ventas. The opinion and financial analyses of Centerview Partners were not intended to be used by NHP's stockholders in evaluating the merger or the exchange ratio.

              In connection with renderingarriving at its opinion, Centerview Partners, among other things:Citi:

        reviewed the merger agreement;

        reviewedheld discussions with certain publicly available financialrepresentatives of the affiliated external manager and other information about NHPadvisors of HCT and certain senior officers and other representatives and advisors of Ventas asconcerning the case may be;businesses, operations and prospects of HCT and Ventas;

        reviewed certain publicly available and other business and financial information furnishedrelating to Centerview PartnersHCT and certain publicly available business and financial information relating to Ventas provided to or discussed with Citi by NHP'sthe external manager of HCT and the management (as adjusted by Ventas),of Ventas, including certain internal financial forecasts and analyses,other information and data relating to the business, operationsHCT and prospects of NHP;

        reviewed certain information furnished to Centerview Partners by Ventas's management, includingpublicly available financial forecasts and analyses,other information and data relating to the business, operations and prospects of Ventas and NHP;

        held discussions with members of management of NHP and Ventas concerning certain anticipated strategic, financial and operational benefits relating to the merger and the matters described in the second through fourth bullets above (as applicable);

        held discussions with members of management of NHP and Ventas concerning the respective past and current business, operations, financial condition and prospects of NHP and Ventas, including after giving effect to the merger, and discussed the past and current business, operations, financial condition and prospects of NHP and Ventas, including after giving effect to the merger, with Ventas's management;Ventas;

        reviewed the potential pro forma financial impactterms of the merger onas set forth in the futuremerger agreement in relation to, among other things: current and historical market prices and trading volumes of HCT common stock and Ventas common stock; the historical and projected earnings and other operating data of HCT and Ventas; and the capitalization and financial performancecondition of HCT and Ventas;

        reviewed information prepared by NHP's management and Ventas's management relatingconsidered, to the relativeextent publicly available, the financial contributionsterms of NHP and Ventas toother transactions which Citi considered relevant in evaluating the future financial performance of the combined company on a pro forma basis;merger;

        reviewedanalyzed certain share trading price historyfinancial, stock market and valuation multiples for Ventas's common stockother publicly available information relating to the businesses of other companies whose operations Citi considered relevant in evaluating those of HCT and NHP's common stock;Ventas;

        compared theevaluated certain potential pro forma financial and operating performance of NHP and Ventas with publicly available information concerning other publicly traded companies Centerview Partners deemed relevant, and reviewed certain current and historical market prices and valuation multiples of the equity securities of such other companies;

        compared the proposed financial termseffects of the merger and related transactions on Ventas utilizing financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or discussed with the financial terms of certain other transactions that Centerview Partners deemed relevant;Citi as described above; and

        conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as Centerview Partners deemed appropriate, including analyses of certain anticipated strategic, financial and operational benefits from the merger,examinations and considered such other factorsinformation and financial, economic and market criteria as Centerview PartnersCiti deemed appropriate.appropriate in arriving at its opinion.

              In arriving atrendering its opinion, Centerview PartnersCiti assumed and relied, without independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of the foregoingall financial and other information without independent verification of such information. Centerview Partners relied onand data publicly available or provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with Citi and upon the assurances of the external manager of HCT and the management of each of Ventas and NHP that they were not aware of any factsrelevant information that was omitted or circumstances that remained undisclosed to Citi. With respect to financial forecasts and other information and data relating to HCT provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with Citi, Citi was advised by the external manager of HCT, and assumed, with HCT's consent, that they were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of such external manager as to the future financial performance of HCT. As the HCT Board was aware, Citi was not provided with, and Citi did not have access to, internal forecasts and estimates relating to Ventas prepared by the management of Ventas and, accordingly, Citi was directed to utilize for purposes of its analyses publicly available forecasts and estimates provided to Citi by or otherwise reviewed by Citi with or discussed with Citi by the external manager of HCT and the management of Ventas. With respect to publicly available financial forecasts and other information and data relating to Ventas, Citi was advised by the management of Ventas, and assumed, with HCT's consent, that such publicly available financial forecasts and other information and data were a reasonable basis upon which to evaluate the future financial performance of Ventas. Citi further assumed, with HCT's consent, that the financial results reflected in such financial forecasts and other information and data utilized in Citi's analyses would make such information inaccuratebe realized in the amounts and at the times projected. Citi relied, at HCT's direction, upon the assessments of the external manager of HCT as to (i) the potential impact on HCT and Ventas of certain market trends and recent developments in, and prospects for, the commercial real estate market and related credit and financial markets, (ii) existing and future relationships, agreements or arrangements with, and the ability to attract and retain, key lessees and


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      misleadingrelated contracts and (iii) potential future acquisitions (including the timing and amount thereof) of commercial properties contemplated to be undertaken by HCT as reflected in the financial forecasts and other information and data utilized in Citi's analyses. Citi assumed, with HCT's consent, that there would be no developments with respect to any such matters that would have an adverse effect on HCT, Ventas or the merger or related transactions or that otherwise would be meaningful in any respect material to Centerview Partners'sits analyses or opinion. In connectionCiti also assumed, with HCT's consent, that any proration of or adjustment to the opinion, Centerview Partnersmerger consideration would not in any respect be meaningful to Citi's analyses or opinion.

              Citi did not conduct anymake and was not provided with an independent valuationevaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of NHP orHCT, Ventas or concerningany other entity and did not make any physical inspection of the solvencyproperties or fair valueassets of NHPHCT, Ventas or Ventas, and Centerview Partners wasany other entity. Citi also did not furnished with any such valuation or appraisal. With respect to the financial forecasts provided to and examined by Centerview Partners, Centerview Partners noted that projecting future results of any company is inherently subject to uncertainty. With respect to the financial forecasts provided to Centerview Partners and utilized in its analyses relating to NHP and Ventas, including anymake an analysis of, information relating to anticipated strategic, financial and/or operational benefits expected to result from the merger, Centerview Partners assumed, with the consent of Ventas, that the forecasts had been reasonably prepared to reflect the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of NHP and Ventas as to the future financial performance of NHP and Ventas, respectively. Centerview Partners assumed no responsibility for and expressed nodid not express any opinion or view as to, any forecasts reviewed by Centerview Partnersthe adequacy or the assumptions on which they were based. Financial forecastssufficiency of allowances or reserves for NHP that Centerview Partners assumed and relied upon in rendering its opinion were furnished to Centerview Partners by NHP's management (as adjusted by Ventas's management) and financial forecasts for Ventas that Centerview Partners assumed and relied upon in rendering its opinion were furnished to Centerview Partners by Ventas's management. Centerview Partners assumed, with Ventas's consent, that Ventas's pending Atria Acquisition will be consummated upon the terms and conditions set forth in the definitive merger agreement, dated as of October 21, 2010,losses with respect to such acquisition, without any waiverleases, loans, debt securities, derivative financial instruments or modification ofother matters, and Citi assumed, with HCT's consent, that any such termsallowances or conditionsreserves for losses were, and on a pro forma basis would be, in any respect materialthe aggregate appropriate to Centerview Partners's opinion.

              Centerview Partners's opinion was necessarily based on financial, economic, monetary, market and other conditions and circumstances as in effect on, and the information made available to Centerview Partners as of, the date of its opinion. Subsequent circumstances, events or developments may affect the opinion, and Centerview Partners does not have any responsibility or obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion based on subsequent circumstances, events or developments. Centerview Partners does not express any opinion as to the prices at which shares of Ventas's common stock may trade at any time subsequent to the announcement of the merger.

              In rendering its opinion, Centerview Partnerscover such losses. Citi assumed, with Ventas'sHCT's consent, that the merger willand related transactions (including the operating partnership merger) would be consummated onin accordance with the terms set forth inof the merger agreement and in compliance with all applicable laws and other relevant documents or requirements, without any waiver, modification or modificationamendment of any material termsterm, condition or conditions. Centerview Partners also assumed, with Ventas's consent,agreement, and that, in the course of obtaining the necessary governmental, regulatory or third partythird-party approvals, consents, releases, waivers and consentsagreements for the merger will notand related transactions, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition would be imposed that would have an adverse effect on NHPHCT, Ventas, the merger or related transactions or that otherwise would be meaningful in any respect to Citi's opinion or analyses. Citi was advised by HCT, and assumed, with HCT's consent, that HCT has operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2011 and that Ventas has operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1999, and that the merger and related transactions would not adversely affect such status or on the contemplated benefits expected to be derived from the merger. Centerview Partnersoperations of HCT or Ventas. Citi did not express any view or opinion as to any tax or other consequences that might result fromthe actual value of Ventas common stock when issued in the merger nor doesor the opinion address any legal, tax, regulatory or accounting matters, as toprices at which Ventas has obtained such advice as it deemed necessary from qualified professionals. Centerview Partnerscommon stock (or any other securities of Ventas) or HCT common stock (or any other securities of HCT) would trade or otherwise be transferable at any time. Citi also assumed, at the direction of Ventas,with HCT's consent, that the merger will qualifywould be treated as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. TheCiti did not express any opinion with respect to accounting, tax, regulatory, legal or similar matters and relied, with HCT's consent, upon the assessments of the external manager and other advisors of HCT and representatives of Ventas as to such matters.

              Citi's opinion addressed only the fairness, from a financial point of view to Ventas, onand as of the date of theits opinion, of the exchange ratio provided for in connection withmerger consideration (to the merger. Centerview Partners expressed no view or opinion as toextent expressly specified therein) and did not address any other terms, or other aspects or implications of the merger (other than, to the extent expressly specified in the opinion, the exchange ratio provided for in connection with the merger),or related transactions, including, without limitation, the form of the merger consideration or the form or structure of the merger or related transactions, the form or structure, or financial or other terms, of the operating partnership merger or any acquisitions or any other agreementsagreement, arrangement or arrangementsunderstanding to be entered into in connection with or otherwise contemplated by the merger. In addition, Centerview Partnersmerger or related transactions or otherwise. Citi was not requested to, and it did not, undertake a third-party solicitation process on HCT's behalf with respect to the acquisition of all or a part of HCT. Citi expressed no view or opinion as to, and its opinion did not address, the underlying business decision of HCT to effect the merger or related transactions, the relative merits of the merger or related transactions as compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist for HCT or the effect of any other transaction in which HCT might engage or consider. Citi also expressed no view as to, and its opinion did not address, (i) the fairness (financial or otherwise) of the amount or nature of, or any other aspects relatingaspect of any compensation to the compensation toexternal manager of HCT or any officers, directors or employees of any parties to the merger or related transactions, or any class of such persons, relative to the exchange ratio provided formerger consideration or otherwise or (ii) any consideration that would be received in connection with the merger or otherwise.


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              Centerview Partners's opinion was provided forwith the benefit and usemerger or related transactions by the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of any party to the Ventas board of directorsmerger or related transactions or other amounts that would be payable in connection with its considerationthe merger or related transactions, including any promote fee or other amount that would be payable to the external manager of HCT. Citi's opinion was necessarily based upon information available, and financial, stock market and other conditions and circumstances existing and disclosed, to Citi as of the merger. Thedate of its opinion. Citi expressed no opinion does not constitute a recommendationor view as to any stockholder of Ventas as to how any such stockholder should vote or act on any matter relating to the merger. In addition, Centerview Partners's opinion does not address the relative meritspotential effects of the merger as compared to any other transaction or business strategyvolatility experienced by the credit, financial and stock markets, and the industries in which HCT and Ventas might engageoperate, on HCT, Ventas, the merger or the meritsrelated transactions. The issuance of the underlying decision by Ventas to engage in the merger. Centerview Partners'sCiti's opinion was approvedauthorized by the Centerview Partners LLC Fairness Opinion Committee.

      Financial Analyses of Centerview PartnersCiti's fairness opinion committee.

              The following isIn preparing its opinion, Citi performed a brief summaryvariety of the material financial and comparative analyses, that Centerview Partners deemed to be appropriate for this typeincluding those described below. The summary of merger and that were reviewed with the Ventas board of directors in connection with rendering Centerview Partners's opinion. The following summary, however, doesanalyses below is not purport to be a complete description of allCiti's opinion or the financial analyses performed by Centerview Partnersunderlying, and factors considered in connection with, rendering its opinion, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Centerview Partners.

      The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand the financial analyses performed by Centerview Partners, the tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Centerview Partners. Considering the data set forth in the tables below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the financial analyses performed by Centerview Partners.

              Relative Historical Stock Price Ratio Analysis.    Centerview Partners reviewed the history of the trading prices of NHP common stock relative to Ventas common stock over the three-year period ended February 25, 2011. For each trading day during such three-year period, the trading price of NHP common stock was divided by the trading price of Ventas common stock to calculate an implied exchange ratio. The implied high and low exchange ratios based on this analysis were 1.068x and 0.669x.

              Relative Analyst Price Target Analysis.    Centerview Partners reviewed selected analyst price targets found in publicly available equity research for NHP common stock and Ventas common stock. In each instance, the analyst price target for NHP was divided by the analyst price target for Ventas to calculate an implied exchange ratio. The following table sets forth the implied mean, median, high and low exchange ratios based on the selected analyst price targets for NHP and Ventas common stock:


      MeanMedianHighLow

      Implied Exchange Ratio

      0.713x0.717x0.780x0.645x

              Relative Net Asset Value Analysis.    Centerview Partners reviewed selected net asset value, or NAV, estimates found in publicly available equity research for NHP common stock and Ventas common stock and calculated the implied exchange ratios of NHP common stock to Ventas common stock based upon such estimates. The following table sets forth the implied mean, median, high and low exchange ratios based on the selected NAV estimates for Ventas and NHP common stock:


      MeanMedianHighLow

      Implied Exchange Ratio

      0.737x0.756x0.818x0.665x

              Relative Contribution Analysis.    Centerview Partners reviewed and compared the relative contributions of Ventas and NHP to the combined company based on estimated funds from operations,


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      or FFO, and estimated funds available for distribution, or FAD, for the calendar years 2011, 2012 and 2013, based on projections for NHP provided by NHP (as adjusted by Ventas) and projections for Ventas provided by Ventas. Centerview Partners compared these ratios to the implied pro forma ownership of the combined company of 65% by the current Ventas stockholders and 35% by the NHP stockholders (assuming consummation of the Atria Acquisition). The analysis implied that between 2011 and 2013: (1) NHP's contribution to FFO would range from 34% to 38% and Ventas's contribution to FFO would range from 66% to 62%, implying high and low exchange ratios of 0.877x and 0.775x; and (2) NHP's contribution to FAD would range from 35% to 39% and Ventas's contribution to FAD would range from 65% to 61%, implying high and low exchange ratios of 0.919x and 0.814x.

              Relative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.    Centerview Partners calculated the implied exchange ratio of NHP common stock to Ventas common stock based on an illustrative discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow analysis was based on projections for NHP provided by NHP (as adjusted by Ventas) and projections for Ventas provided by Ventas (assuming consummation of the Atria Acquisition). Centerview Partners calculated terminal values by using an estimated free cash flow perpetuity growth rate of 3.00% for NHP and 4.00% for Ventas. The cash flows and terminal values were then discounted to an illustrative present value using discount rates of 9.0% to 10.0% for NHP and 9.75% to 10.75% for Ventas. Centerview Partners calculated the implied per share equity values of NHP common stock and Ventas common stock based upon the discounted cash flow analysis. The low implied per share equity value of NHP common stock was then divided by the high implied per share equity value of Ventas common stock, to determine the low implied exchange ratio, and the high implied per share equity value of NHP common stock was then divided by the low implied per share equity value of Ventas common stock, to determine the high implied exchange ratio. This calculation indicated the following high and low implied exchange ratios based upon the discounted cash flow analysis:


      HighLow

      Implied Exchange Ratio

      0.968x0.621x

              Pro Forma Analysis of the Merger.    Centerview Partners analyzed certain pro forma effects of the merger, including, among other things, the impact of the merger on FFO and FAD per share estimates for Ventas, using projections for NHP provided by NHP (as adjusted by Ventas) and projections for Ventas provided by Ventas (assuming consummation of the Atria Acquisition). The pro forma merger analysis implied that the merger would be immediately accretive to Ventas's FFO per share and FAD per share, after taking into account purchase accounting adjustments required by GAAP.

      Miscellaneous

              As noted above, the discussion set forth above is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by Centerview Partners to the Ventas board of directors in connection with its opinion and is not a comprehensive description of all analyses undertaken by Centerview Partners in connection with itsCiti's opinion. The preparation of a financial opinion is a complex analytical process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, a financial opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Centerview PartnersCiti arrived at its ultimate opinion based on the results of all analyses undertaken by it and assessed as a whole, and it did not draw, in isolation, conclusions from or with regard to any one factor or method of analysis. Accordingly, Citi believes that itsthe analyses summarized above must be considered as a whole. Centerview Partners further believeswhole and that selecting portions of its analyses and the factors considered or focusing on information presented in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the narrative description of the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying Centerview Partners'ssuch analyses and its opinion. The fact that any specific analysis has been referred to in the summary above is


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      not meant to indicate that such analysis was given greater weight than any other analysis referred to in the summary.

              In performing its analyses, Centerview PartnersCiti considered industry performance, general business, economic, market and economicfinancial conditions and other matters existing as of the date of its opinion, many of which are beyond the control of HCT. No company, business or transaction reviewed is identical or directly comparable to HCT, Ventas, their respective businesses or the merger and NHP.related transactions and an evaluation of these analyses is not entirely mathematical; rather, the analyses involve complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics, market conditions and other factors that could affect the public trading, acquisition or other values of the companies, business segments or transactions reviewed.

              The estimates ofcontained in Citi's analyses and the future performance of Ventas and NHP in or underlying Centerview Partners's analysesvaluation ranges resulting from any particular analysis are not necessarily indicative of actual values or actualpredictive of future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those estimates or those suggested by Centerview Partners'ssuch analyses. TheseIn addition, analyses were prepared solely as part of Centerview Partners's analysis of the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Ventas of the exchange ratio provided for in connection with the merger and were providedrelating to the Ventas boardvalue of directors in connection with the delivery of Centerview Partners's opinion. The analysesbusinesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which a company mightbusinesses or securities actually may be sold or the prices at which any securities have traded or may trade at any time in the future.acquired. Accordingly, the estimates used in, and the ranges of valuations resultingresults derived from, any particular analysis described aboveCiti's analyses are inherently subject to substantial uncertaintyuncertainty.

              Citi was not requested to, and shouldit did not, be taken to be Centerview Partners's viewrecommend the specific consideration payable in the merger. The type and amount of the actual values of Ventas or NHP.

              The exchange ratio provided forconsideration payable in connection with the merger waswere determined through negotiations between Ventas and NHP, rather than by any financial advisor, and was approved by the Ventas board of directors. The decision to enter into the merger agreement was solely that of the Ventas board of directors. As described above, Centerview Partners's opinion and analyses were only one of many factors considered by the Ventas board of directors in its evaluation of the merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the Ventas board of directors or management with respect to the merger or the exchange ratio.

              Under the terms of a letter agreement, Ventas engaged Centerview Partners to act as its financial advisor in connection with the merger. Pursuant to the letter agreement, Ventas has agreed to pay Centerview Partners a transaction fee of $20 million. A portion of the fee equal to $4 million was contingent and payable upon the delivery of the opinion and Ventas's execution of a definitive agreement regarding the potential acquisition of NHP. A portion of the fee equal to $16 million is payable upon consummation of the merger. Ventas took the existence of these contingent fees into account when considering the analyses, advice and opinion of its financial advisor. Ventas also has agreed to reimburse Centerview Partners's expenses and to indemnify Centerview Partners against certain liabilities arising out of its engagement. Centerview Partners has in the past performed, and may continue to perform, investment banking services for Ventas and its affiliates, in each case, for customary compensation.


      Opinion of NHP's Financial Advisor

              At the meeting of the NHP board of directors on February 27, 2011, J.P. Morgan rendered its oral opinion to the NHP board of directors that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions, procedures, factors, qualifications and limitations set forth in its written opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of NHP common stock. J.P. Morgan subsequently confirmed its oral opinion by delivering its written opinion, dated February 27, 2011, to the NHP board of directors. No limitations were imposed by the NHP board of directors upon J.P. Morgan with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed by it in rendering its opinion.

      The full text of the written opinion of J.P. Morgan, dated February 27, 2011, which sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in rendering its opinion, is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Annex D. The summary of J.P. Morgan's opinion set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.


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      NHP stockholders should read the full opinion carefully and in its entirety. J.P. Morgan's opinion is addressed to the NHP board of directors, is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio in the merger to holders of NHP common stock as of the date of the opinion, and does not address any other aspect of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. J.P. Morgan provided its advisory services and opinion for the information and assistance of the NHP board of directors in connection with its consideration of the merger. The opinion of J.P. Morgan does not constitute a recommendation as to how any NHP stockholder should vote with respect to the merger. In addition, this opinion does not in any manner address the price at which NHP common stock or Ventas common stock will trade at any time subsequent to the date of the opinion. J.P. Morgan's opinion was approved by J.P. Morgan's fairness committee. Neither J.P. Morgan's opinion, nor the summary thereof or of J.P. Morgan's financial analyses set forth in this document, is being provided for the use of any Ventas stockholder and does not constitute a recommendation as to how any Ventas stockholder should vote with respect to the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger or any other matter.

              In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan, among other things:

        reviewed a draft dated February 25, 2011 of the merger agreement;

        reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning NHP and Ventas and the industries in which they operate;

        compared the proposed financial terms of the merger with the publicly available financial terms of certain transactions involving companies J.P. Morgan deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies;

        compared the financial and operating performance of NHP and Ventas with publicly available information concerning certain other companies J.P. Morgan deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of NHP common stock and Ventas common stock and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies;

        reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by or at the direction of the managements of NHP and Ventas relating to their respective businesses as well as the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and synergies expected to result from the merger; and

        performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as J.P. Morgan deemed appropriate for the purposes of its opinion.

              In addition, J.P. Morgan held discussions with certain members of the management of NHP and Ventas with respect to certain aspects of the merger, and the past and current business operations of NHP and Ventas, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of NHP and Ventas, the effects of the merger on the financial condition and future prospects of Ventas and certain other matters J.P. Morgan believed necessary or appropriate to its inquiry.

              In giving its opinion, J.P. Morgan relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by NHP and Ventas or otherwise reviewed by or for J.P. Morgan, and J.P. Morgan did not independently verify (nor did J.P. Morgan assume responsibility or liability for independently verifying) any such information or its accuracy or completeness. J.P. Morgan did not conduct and was not provided with any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor did J.P. Morgan evaluate the solvency of NHP or Ventas under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to J.P. Morgan or derived therefrom, J.P. Morgan assumed that they had been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best then-available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of


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      NHP and Ventas to which such analyses or forecasts relate. J.P. Morgan expressed no view as to such analyses or forecasts or the assumptions on which they were based. J.P. Morgan also assumed that each of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and will be consummated as described in the merger agreement, and that the definitive merger agreement does not differ in any material respects from the draft thereof furnished to J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan also assumed that the representations and warranties made by NHP and Ventas in the merger agreement and the related agreements are and will be true and correct in all respects material to J.P. Morgan's analysis. J.P. Morgan is not a legal, regulatory or tax expert and relied on the assessments made by advisors to NHP with respect to such issues. J.P. Morgan further assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger will be obtained without any adverse effect on NHP or Ventas, or on the contemplated benefits of the merger.

              J.P. Morgan's opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to J.P. Morgan as of, the date of J.P. Morgan's opinion. It should be understood that subsequent developments may affect J.P. Morgan's opinion, and J.P. Morgan does not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion. J.P. Morgan's opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of NHP common stock of the exchange ratio in the merger, and J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the merger to, or any consideration to be paid to, the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of NHP or as to the underlying decision by NHP to engage in the merger. Furthermore, J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any party to the merger, or any class of such persons, relative to the exchange ratio applicable to the holders of NHP common stock or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the price at which NHP common stock or Ventas common stock will trade at any time subsequent to the date of the opinion.

              The terms of the merger agreement, including the exchange ratio, were determined through arm's-length negotiations between NHPHCT and Ventas and the decision to enter into the merger agreement was solely that of the NHP boardHCT Board. Citi's opinion was only one of directors and the Ventas board of directors. J.P. Morgan's opinion and financial analyses were among the many factors considered by the NHP board of directorsHCT Board in its evaluation of the merger and related transactions and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the NHPsuch board of directors or managementthe external manager of HCT with respect to the merger or related transactions or the exchange ratio.consideration payable in the merger or related transactions.

              In accordance with customary investment banking practice, J.P. Morgan employed generally accepted valuation methods in reaching its opinion.        The following isrepresents a brief summary of certainthe material financial analyses prepared and reviewed with the HCT Board in connection with Citi's opinion, dated June 1, 2014.The summary set forth below does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses undertakenperformed by, J.P. Morgan and delivered tounderlying the NHP boardopinion of, directors on February 27, 2011, which analyses were among those considered by J.P. Morgan in connection with delivering its opinion. J.P. Morgan's financial analyses that were delivered toCiti, nor does the NHP board of directors prior to its meeting on February 27, 2011 were based on an assumed exchange ratio of 0.787 shares of Ventas common stock per share of NHP common stock. J.P. Morgan rendered its opinion using the final exchange ratio of 0.7866 shares of Ventas common stock per share of NHP common stock. Some of the summariesorder of the financial analyses described represent the relative importance or weight given to those financial analyses by Citi. Certain financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. The tables are not intended to stand alone, and inIn order to more fully understand the financial analyses, used by J.P. Morgan, the tables must be read together with the full text of each summary.summary as the tables alone


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      do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. Considering the data set forthin the tables below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the financial analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of J.P. Morgan'ssuch financial analyses.


      Table None of ContentsHCT, Ventas, Citi or any other person assumes responsibility if future results are different from those described, whether or not any such difference is material.

      Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis

              J.P. Morgan calculated (1) For purposes of the implied historical exchange ratios duringfinancial analyses summarized below, the one-year period ended February 25, 2011 by dividingterm "implied merger consideration" refers to the daily closing pricevalue of the merger consideration of $11.33 and assumes that (i) 10% of the outstanding shares of HCT common stock would be converted into the right to receive $11.33 per share in cash and (ii) 90% of NHPthe outstanding shares of HCT common stock by thatwould be converted into the right to receive 0.1688 of a share of Ventas common stock for each trading day during that period and (2) thebased on Ventas's volume weighted average of those daily implied historical exchange ratiosclosing stock price for the one-week, one-month, three-month, six-month,five-day period ended May 22, 2014 of $67.13.

      HCT Financial Analyses

              Selected Public Companies Analysis.    Citi reviewed publicly available financial and one-year periods ending February 25, 2011. J.P. Morgan also noted the low and high exchange ratios for each period referenced in clause (2) abovestock market information of HCT and the resulting premiumsfollowing six selected companies that Citi in its professional judgment considered generally relevant for comparative purposes as U.S. publicly traded companies with operations in the healthcare REIT industry, consisting of the proposed exchange ratio to the average exchange ratios for each such period. The analysis resultedthree largest (based on market capitalization as of May 30, 2014) U.S. publicly traded companies with diversified operations in the following implied exchange ratios for the periods indicated, as compared to the exchange ratio of 0.7866x provided for in the merger:


      Exchange ratio

      One-week

      low

      0.678x

      average

      0.680x

      high

      0.684x

      One-month

      low

      0.675x

      average

      0.683x

      high

      0.696x

      Three-month

      low

      0.669x

      average

      0.687x

      high

      0.706x

      Six-month

      low

      0.669x

      average

      0.715x

      high

      0.775x

      One-year

      low

      0.669x

      average

      0.730x

      high

      0.775x

              J.P. Morgan noted that a historical exchange ratio analysis is not a valuation methodologyhealthcare REIT industry and that such analysis was presented merely for reference purposes.

      Contribution Analysis

              J.P. Morgan analyzed the contribution of each of Ventas and NHP to the pro forma combined companythree U.S. publicly traded companies with respect to EBITDA (defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization including joint ventures' contribution to EBITDA at ownership share), estimated FFO and estimated adjusted funds fromMOB-focused operations, or AFFO, for calendar year 2011, which is referred to as CY11. Earnings metrics were adjusted to include the full-year impact of certain acquisitions based on publicly available information. For purposes of the contribution analysis, J.P. Morgan assumed that the contribution with respect to EBITDA reflected each company's contribution to the combined company's pro forma firm value. Equity value contributions and relative ownership interests were then derived by adjusting firm value contributions for outstanding net debt, preferred equity and non-controlling interests of both companies. J.P. Morgan further assumed that the contributions with respect to FFO and AFFO reflected each company's contribution to the combined company's pro forma equity value and relative ownership interests. Synergies were not taken into account in the contribution analysis. The analyses yielded the following pro forma diluted equity value contributions


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      and ownership interests with respect to EBITDA, FFO and AFFO and implied exchange ratios ranging from a low of 0.683x to a high of 0.833x, as follows:


      CY11E

      EBITDA

      NHP % contribution / ownership

      31.3%

      Implied exchange ratio

      0.683x




      CY11E

      FFO

      NHP % contribution / ownership

      35.1%

      Implied exchange ratio

      0.810x




      CY11E

      AFFO

      NHP % contribution / ownership

      35.8%

      Implied exchange ratio

      0.833x

      Public Trading Analysis

              Using publicly available information, including estimated AFFO per share for CY11 published by equity research analysts and adjusted to include the full-year impact of certain acquisitions, including Ventas's Atria Acquisition and certain acquisitions by NHP in December 2010 and January 2011, J.P. Morgan analyzed certain trading multiples of otherHCT selected publicly traded REITs. None of the selected companies are identical to NHP. However, the selected companies were chosen because they are publicly traded REITs with operations that, for purposes of J.P. Morgan's analysis, may be considered similar to those of NHP. These companies were as follows:companies:

        HCP, Inc.

        Health Care REIT, Inc.

        Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated

        Healthcare Trust of America, Inc.

        Senior Housing Properties Trust

        Ventas, Inc.

              For each of these other REITs, J.P. Morgan calculated theCiti reviewed enterprise values (calculated as equity values based on closing stock prices on May 30, 2014, plus debt, preferred stock and non-controlling interests and less cash and cash equivalents) as a multiple of equity market pricenext 12 months (as of March 31, 2014) estimated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which we refer to as estimated EBITDA. Citi also reviewed closing stock prices on May 30, 2014 as a multiple of next 12 months (as of March 31, 2014) Wall Street research analysts' consensus estimated funds from operations per share, which we refer to as estimated FFO per share, and Wall Street research analysts' consensus estimated adjusted FFO per share, which we refer to as estimated AFFO per share. Citi further reviewed the median estimatequotient of its CY11next 12 months (as of March 31, 2014) estimated net operating income divided by implied estimated operating real estate values (calculated as equity values based on closing stock prices on May 30, 2014 plus estimated tangible liabilities less estimated tangible assets), which we refer to as the implied cap rate. The overall low to high next 12 months estimated EBITDA, estimated FFO per share and estimated AFFO per share multiples observed for the HCT selected companies were 15.0x to 17.6x (with a mean of 16.7x), 13.5x to 16.8x (with a mean of 15.1x) and 15.0x to 18.9x (with a mean of 16.9x), respectively. The overall low to high next 12 months estimated implied cap rates observed for the HCT selected companies were 7.1% to 5.8% (with a mean of 6.2%). Citi then applied such low to high ranges of next 12 months estimated EBITDA, estimated FFO per share and estimated AFFO per share multiples and next 12 months estimated implied cap rates derived from the HCT selected companies to corresponding data of HCT, both excluding unidentified acquisitions of commercial real estate properties by HCT, which we refer to as reported by equity research analysts asHCT unidentified acquisitions, and pro forma for $250 million (as of February 25, 2011. J.P. Morgan also analyzedJune 30, 2014) of HCT unidentified acquisitions. Citi noted that, (i) excluding HCT unidentified acquisitions, HCT's next 12 months estimated EBITDA, estimated FFO per share and estimated AFFO


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      per share multiples at the same tradingimplied merger consideration were 17.8x, 16.2x and 17.6x, respectively, and next 12 months estimated implied cap rate at the implied merger consideration was 5.6% and (ii) including HCT unidentified acquisitions, HCT's next 12 months estimated EBITDA, estimated FFO per share and estimated AFFO per share multiples for NHPat the implied merger consideration were 17.1x, 15.1x and 16.7x, respectively, and next 12 months estimated implied cap rate at the implied merger consideration was 5.8%. Financial data of the HCT selected companies were based on public filings and other publicly available information. Financial data of HCT was based on internal forecasts and estimates of the external manager of HCT, public filings and other publicly available information. Balance sheet data of HCT was adjusted for the HCT Tender Offer. This analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share equity research analystvalue reference ranges for HCT, as compared to the implied merger consideration:

       
       Implied Per Share Equity Value Reference Ranges (Excluding HCT Unidentified Acquisitions)  
        
       
       Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      EBITDA
       Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      FFO
       Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      AFFO
       Based on Next 12 Months
      Estimated Implied Cap
      Rate
       Implied Merger
      Consideration
        

       $8.91 - $11.20 $9.42 - $11.78 $9.67 - $12.18 $8.16 - $10.68 $11.33  


       
       Implied Per Share Equity Value Reference Ranges (Including HCT Unidentified Acquisitions)  
        
       
       Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      EBITDA
       Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      FFO
       Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      AFFO
       Based on Next 12 Months
      Estimated Implied Cap
      Rate
       Implied Merger
      Consideration
        

       $9.22 - $11.82 $10.09 - $12.62 $10.17 - $12.82 $8.25 - $11.09 $11.33  

              Selected Precedent Transactions Analysis.    Citi reviewed financial data and data provided by NHP management. Synergies were not taken into accountrelating to the following ten selected transactions publicly announced from April 2005 to June 2014 with transaction values ranging from $800 million to $8 billion, which Citi in its professional judgment considered generally relevant for comparative purposes as transactions involving the acquisition of U.S. target companies with operations in the public trading analysis.

              The following presentshealthcare REIT industry, which we refer to as the results of this analysis:selected transactions:



      Announcement Date
       Price / AFFO per
      share Multiple
      Completion Date


       CY11Acquiror Target
      Other REITs (including Ventas)August 22, 2012 Median equity research estimateJanuary 9, 2013

      Health Care REIT,  Inc.

      Sunrise Senior Living,  LLC

        18.2x
      VentasMedian equity research estimate  19.5x 
      NHPDecember 27, 2011 Median equity research estimateApril 2, 2012

      Ventas, Inc.

      Cogdell Spencer,  Inc.

        16.3x
      NHPManagement estimate  15.9x
      February 28, 2011 

              J.P. Morgan applied a range of these multiples to the CY11 AFFO per share estimates for NHP and Ventas per median equity research estimates, which resulted in the following range of implied share prices for each share of NHP and Ventas, rounded to the nearest $0.50, as compared to the (1) closing price per share of NHP common stock on February 25, 2011 of $38.96, (2) closing price per share of Ventas common stock on February 25, 2011 of $57.19 and (3) implied price per share of NHP


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      Health Care REIT,  Inc.

      Genesis HealthCare,  LLC


      common stock of $44.99 based on the exchange ratio of 0.7866x provided for in the merger applied to the closing price per share of Ventas common stock on February 25, 2011:

       
        
       CY11 AFFO per share 
       
        
       Multiple Implied share
      price
       
      NHP High  17.0x $40.50 
        Low  15.0x $36.00 

      Ventas

       

      High

       

       

      19.5x

       

      $

      57.50

       
        Low  17.5x $51.50 

              J.P. Morgan compared the results of the implied equity values per share for Ventas and NHP. For each comparison, J.P. Morgan compared the highest equity value per share for NHP to the highest equity value per share for Ventas to derive the highest exchange ratio implied by each pair of estimates. J.P. Morgan also compared the lowest equity value per share for NHP to the lowest equity value per share for Ventas to derive the lowest exchange ratio implied by each pair of estimates. The implied exchange ratios resulting from this analysis, as compared to the exchange ratio of 0.7866x provided for in the merger, were:


      Exchange ratio
      CY11 AFFO per share

      Highest NHP equity value per share to highest Ventas equity value per share

        0.709x

      Lowest NHP equity value per share to lowest Ventas equity value per share

        0.697x
      February 28, 2011July 1, 2011

      Ventas, Inc.

      Nationwide Health Properties,  LLC

       
      December 13, 2010April 8, 2011

      HCP, Inc.

      HCR ManorCare, Inc.

      October 22, 2010May 12, 2011

      Ventas, Inc.

      Atria Senior Living Group

      January 14, 2007April 26, 2007

      Ventas, Inc.

      Sunrise Senior Living REIT

      September 12, 2006December 20, 2006

      Health Care REIT,  Inc.

      Windrose Medical Properties Trust

      May 1, 2006October 5, 2006

      Health Care Property Investors,  Inc.

      CNL Retirement Properties,  Inc.

      April 12, 2005June 7, 2005

      Ventas, Inc.

      Provident Senior Living Trust

      Dividend Discount Analysis

              J.P. Morgan performed a dividend discount analysis        Citi reviewed transaction values of NHP's common stock and Ventas's common stock using three-year projections for each companythe selected transactions (calculated as provided by each company's management, and seven-year extrapolations thereof that were reviewed and approved by NHP's managemententerprise values implied for the purposetarget companies based on the consideration payable in the selected transactions) as a multiple of determining the fully dilutedtarget companies' next 12 months estimated implied equity value per sharecap rate. The overall low to high next 12 months estimated implied cap rates observed for the selected transactions were 8.3% to 5.9% (with a mean of each company. The dividend per share payout ratios (as a percentage6.9%). Citi noted that the average next 12 months estimated implied cap rates observed for selected transactions involving 50% or more stock consideration was 6.7% and involving 50% or more cash consideration was 7.0%. Citi then applied the low to high range of AFFO per share) for NHP that were provided to J.P. Morgan for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 through 2020, respectively, were as follows: 80.0%; 80.0%; 80.0%; 82.5%; and 85.0%. The dividend per share payout ratios (as a percentage of AFFO per share) for Ventas that were provided to J.P. Morgan for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 through 2020, respectively, were as follows: 77.5%; 76.2%; 75.7%; 77.9%; and 80.0%. A dividend discount analysis is a method of evaluatingnext 12 months estimated implied cap rates derived from the equity value of a company using estimates of future dividends to shareholders generated by the company and taking into consideration the time value of money with respect to those future dividends by calculating their "present value." "Present value" refersselected transactions to the current valuenext 12 months (as of the future dividends to shareholders paid by the companyMarch 13, 2014) estimated net operating income of HCT, both excluding HCT unidentified acquisitions and is obtained by discounting those future dividends back to the present using a discount ratepro forma for $250 million (as of June 30, 2014) of HCT unidentified acquisitions. Citi noted that, takes into account macro-economic assumptions, estimates of risk, the opportunity cost of capital and other appropriate factors.

              Based on the dividends NHP was projected to distribute during fiscal years 2011 through 2020, J.P. Morgan discounted the dividend stream to present values using a range of discount rates from 9.50% to 10.50%, which was chosen by J.P. Morgan based upon an analysis of the cost of equity for NHP. J.P. Morgan also calculated a range of terminal values for the company at the end of the 10-year period ending fiscal year 2020 by applying a perpetual dividend growth rate ranging from 2.50% to 3.25% and discounted the terminal value using a range of discount rates from 9.50% to 10.50%. "Terminal value" refers to the capitalized value of all future dividends to shareholders paid by the company for periods beyond the financial forecast. Synergies were not taken into account in the dividend discount analysis.


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              Based(i) excluding HCT unidentified acquisitions, HCT's next 12 months estimated implied cap rate at the implied merger consideration was 5.6% and (ii) including HCT unidentified acquisitions, HCT's next 12 months estimated implied cap rate at the implied merger consideration was 5.8%. Financial data of the selected transactions were based on public filings and other publicly available information. Financial data of HCT was based on internal forecasts and estimates of the dividends Ventasexternal manager of HCT, public filings and other publicly available information. This analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share equity value reference ranges for HCT, as compared to the implied merger consideration:

       
       Implied Per Share
      Equity Value Reference Range
      (Excluding Unidentified Acquisitions)
       Implied Per Share
      Equity Value Reference Range
      (Including Unidentified Acquisitions)
       Implied Merger
      Consideration
        

       $6.43 - $10.53 $6.31 - $10.92 $11.33 

       

              Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.    Citi performed a discounted cash flow analysis of HCT in which Citi calculated the estimated present value of standalone unlevered free cash flows that HCT was projectedforecasted to distributegenerate during the second quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 through the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, both excluding HCT unidentified acquisitions and pro forma for $250 million (as of June 30, 2014) of HCT unidentified acquisitions during the second quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 and $500 million of additional HCT unidentified acquisitions per year during the fiscal years 2011ending December 31, 2015 through 2020, J.P. Morgan discounted the dividend stream to present values using a rangeDecember 31, 2018. The terminal value of discount rates from 9.50% to 10.50%, which was chosen by J.P. Morgan based upon an analysis of the cost of equity for Ventas. J.P. Morgan also calculated a range of terminal values for the companyHCT's net operating income at the end of the 10-yearforecast period ending fiscal year 2020 by applyingwas estimated using a perpetual dividendperpetuity growth rate of 2.5%. Citi then applied terminal implied cap rates ranging from 4.00%7.0% to 4.75% and discounted6.0%, taking into account, based on Citi's professional judgment, among other things, the implied cap rates (as of May 30, 2014) of the HCT selected companies, to the estimated terminal annual net operating income of HCT to calculate the terminal value of HCT. Such terminal value and unlevered free cash flows that HCT was forecasted to generate during the forecast period were then discounted to present value (as of March 31, 2014) using a range of discount rates ranging from 9.50%8.25% to 10.50%.

              The9.25% derived from a weighted average cost of capital calculation. Financial data of HCT was based on internal forecasts and estimates of the external manager of HCT, public filings and other publicly available information. Balance sheet data of HCT was adjusted for the HCT Tender Offer. This analysis yieldedindicated the following approximate implied per share equity value per share,reference ranges for HCT, as compared to the implied price per share of NHP common stock of $44.99 based on the exchange ratio of 0.7866x provided for in the merger applied to the closing price per share of Ventas common stock on February 25, 2011:consideration:

       
       NHP Ventas 

      High

       $42.00 $60.50 

      Low

       $34.00 $46.00 
       
       Implied Per Share
      Equity Value Reference Range
      (Excluding Unidentified Acquisitions)
       Implied Per Share
      Equity Value Reference Range
      (Including Unidentified Acquisitions)
       Implied Merger
      Consideration
        

       $8.28 - $10.31 $8.09 - $12.05 $11.33 

       

              J.P. Morgan comparedVentas Financial Analysis

              Selected Public Companies Analysis.    Citi reviewed publicly available financial and stock market information of Ventas and the resultsfollowing selected companies that Citi in its professional judgment considered generally relevant for NHPcomparative purposes as U.S. publicly traded companies with operations in the healthcare REIT industry, consisting of the two largest U.S. publicly traded companies (based on market capitalization as of May 30, 2014) with diversified operations in the healthcare REIT industry, excluding Ventas, which we refer to as the results for Ventas. For each comparison, J.P. Morgan compared the highest equity valueVentas selected companies:

        HCP, Inc.

        Health Care REIT, Inc.

              Citi reviewed enterprise values as a multiple of next 12 months (as of March 31, 2014) estimated EBITDA. Citi also reviewed closing stock prices on May 30, 2014 as a multiple of next 12 months (as of March 31, 2014) estimated FFO per share for NHP to the highest equity valueand estimated AFFO per share for Ventas to derive the lowest exchange ratio implied by each pair of estimates. J.P. Morgan also compared the lowest equity value per share for NHP to the lowest equity value per share for Ventas to derive the highest exchange ratio implied by each pair of estimates. The implied exchange ratios resulting from this analysis, as compared to the exchange ratio of 0.7866x provided for in the merger, were:


      Exchange Ratio

      NHP to Ventas

      Highest NHP equity value per share to highest Ventas equity value per share

      0.694x

      Lowest NHP equity value per share to lowest Ventas equity value per share

      0.739x

      Net Asset Value Analysis

              J.P. Morgan prepared a per share net asset value analysis for NHP using forward 12 months cash net operating income and asset and liability balances as of December 31, 2010, adjusted to include the full year impact of certain acquisitions by NHP in December 2010 and January 2011, as provided by NHP. J.P. Morgan applied a weighted average range of capitalization rates of 7.34% to 8.34% to the last quarter annualized cash net operating income, excluding net operating income from investments made late in the fourth quarter of 2010, for the portfolio to arrive at an aggregate value for the property portfolio at December 31, 2010. The capitalization rate range represented the weighted average capitalization rates provided by equity research analysts, weighted by NHP's corresponding net operating income contribution by property type. To this aggregate value amount, J.P. Morgan added the value of other tangible real estate and non-real estate assets, including certain acquisitions by NHP in December 2010 and January 2011 and mortgage loans. From gross asset value, J.P. Morgan deducted debt balances and other tangible liabilities. This analysis implied a net asset value per share of $27.50 to $32.00 per share.

              J.P. Morgan prepared a per share net asset value analysis for Ventas using forward 12 months cash net operating income and asset and liability balances as of December 31, 2010, as provided in Ventas's public filings, adjusted to include the full-year impact of certain acquisitions, including Ventas's Atria Acquisition at its purchase price. J.P. Morgan applied a weighted average range of capitalization rates of 7.33% to 8.33% to the last quarter annualized cash net operating income for the portfolio to arrive at an aggregate value for the property portfolio at December 31, 2010. The capitalization rate range represented the weighted average capitalization rates provided by equity research analysts, weighted by Citi further reviewed


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      next 12 months (as of March 31, 2014) estimated implied cap rates. The overall low to high next 12 months estimated EBITDA, estimated FFO per share and estimated AFFO per share observed for the Ventas selected companies were 15.8x to 17.5x (with a mean of 16.6x), 13.7x to 15.3x (with a mean of 14.5x) and 15.9x to 17.2x (with a mean of 16.5x), respectively. The overall low to high next 12 months estimated implied cap rates observed for the Ventas selected companies were 6.1% to 6.0% (with a mean of 6.0%). Citi then applied such low to high ranges of next 12 months estimated EBITDA, estimated FFO per share and estimated AFFO per share multiples and next 12 months estimated implied cap rates derived from the Ventas selected companies to corresponding data of Ventas. Citi noted that Ventas's corresponding net operating income contribution by property type. To this aggregate value amount, J.P. Morgan addednext 12 months estimated EBITDA, estimated FFO per share and estimated AFFO per share multiples were 17.1x, 15.1x and 16.5x, respectively, and next 12 months estimated implied cap rate was 6.0%. Financial data of the value of other tangible real estate and non-real estate assets, including Ventas's Atria Acquisition and loan receivables. From gross asset value, J.P. Morgan deducted debt balancesVentas selected companies were based on public filings and other tangible liabilities.publicly available information. Financial data of Ventas was based on publicly available Wall Street research analyst estimates, public filings and other publicly available information. This analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share equity value reference ranges for Ventas, as compared to Ventas's volume weighted average closing stock price for the five-day period ended May 22, 2014:

      Implied Per Share Equity Value Reference Ranges  
       
      Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      EBITDA
       
      Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      FFO
       
      Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      AFFO
       
      Based on Next
      12 Months Estimated
      Implied Cap Rate
       
      Volume Weighted
      Average Price as of
      May 22, 2014
       
      $59.34 - $69.52 $60.64 - $67.99 $64.29 - $69.59 $66.12 - $67.24 $67.13 

      Other Information

              Citi also observed certain additional factors that were not considered part of Citi's financial analyses with respect to its opinion but were referenced for informational purposes, including, among other things, the following:

        historical trading prices of Ventas common stock during the 52-week period ended May 30, 2014, which indicated low to high closing prices for Ventas common stock of $55.26 to $72.79 per share and a volume weighted average price per share for Ventas common stock during the five-day period ended May 22, 2014 of $67.13;

        publicly available Wall Street research analyst stock price targets for Ventas common stock, which indicated a stock price target range for Ventas common stock of $52.00 to $80.00 per share;

        net debt (including preferred equity)-to-EBITDA multiples, which we refer to as net debt-to-EBITDA multiples, of the HCT selected companies and the Ventas selected companies as of May 30, 2014, which indicated an average net debt-to-EBITDA multiple of 6.0x for the HCT selected companies, as compared to a net asset value per sharedebt-to-EBITDA multiple of $38.004.5x for HCT, excluding HCT unidentified acquisitions, both on a standalone basis and at the implied merger consideration, and an average net debt-to-EBITDA multiple of 5.7x for the Ventas selected companies, as compared to $43.50 per share. Synergies were not taken into accounta net debt-to-EBITDA multiple of 5.5x for Ventas on a standalone basis;

        the premiums paid in the net asset value analysis.

                The implied exchange ratios resulting from this analysis,selected transactions relative to the closing stock prices of such companies one day prior to the transaction announcement date, which indicated a range of premiums of 8.4% to 62.4% (with a mean of 27.7%) as compared to the exchange ratio13.9% premium implied by the implied merger consideration of 0.7866x provided for in the merger, were:


        Exchange Ratio

        NHP to Ventas

        Highest NHP net asset value per share to highest Ventas net asset value per share

        0.734x

        Lowest NHP net asset value per share to lowest Ventas net asset value per share

        0.721x

        Value Creation Analysis

                Intrinsic Value.    J.P. Morgan prepared a value creation analysis that compared the intrinsic equity value$11.33 per share of Ventas common stock based on the dividend discount analysis to the pro forma combined company equity value per share. The pro forma combined company equity value per share was equal to: (1) (a) the mid-point intrinsic equity valueclosing price of NHP, plus (b) the mid-point intrinsic equity value of Ventas, plus (c) the present value of expected synergies calculated by discounting the expected cash flows from NHP management's estimated $24 million of synergies, growing at a rate equal to (i) NHP's budgeted growth rate for G&A expenses for 2012, (ii) a straight line decrease of such growth rate from the budgeted growth rate for 2013 to 2% in 2019, (iii) 2% for 2020, and (iv) 1.25% for a terminal period, by a discount rate of 10% based on the blended midpoint of discount rates utilized in the dividend discount analyses for Ventas and NHP, less (d) $100 million of estimated costs to achieve such synergies and transaction-related expenses; divided by (2) pro forma diluted outstanding shares ofHCT common stock of the combined company. There can be no assurance that the synergies, estimated cost to achieve such synergies or estimated transaction-related expenses will not be substantially greater or less than the NHP management estimate described above. The value creation analysis at the exchange ratio of 0.7866x provided for in the merger yielded accretion to the holders of NHP common stock of 7.5%.

                Market Value.    J.P. Morgan prepared a value creation analysis that compared the closing share price of NHP's common stock on February 25, 2011 to the pro forma combined company equity value$9.95 per share for the merger. The pro forma combined company equity value per share was equal to: (1) (a) the market equity value of NHP as of February 25, 2011, plus (b) the market equity value of Ventas as of February 25, 2011, plus (c) the value of expected synergies calculated by applying a blended FFO multiple of NHPon May 30, 2014; and Ventas (based on market capitalization) of 17.1x to NHP management's estimate of $24 million of synergies, less (d) $100 million of estimated costs to achieve such synergies and transaction-related expenses; divided by (2) pro forma diluted outstanding shares of common stock of the combined company. There can be no assurance that the synergies, estimated cost to achieve such synergies or estimated transaction-related expenses will not be substantially greater or less than the NHP management estimate described above. The value creation analysis at the exchange ratio of 0.7866x provided for in the merger yielded accretion to the holders of NHP common stock of 12.3%.

                The foregoing summary of certain material financial analyses does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by J.P. Morgan. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. J.P. Morgan believes that the foregoing summary and its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the foregoing summary and these analyses or focusing on information in


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          illustrative pro forma financial impact of the merger on, among other things, the next 12 months (as of March 31, 2014) AFFO per share of Ventas before taking into account potential synergies from the merger and any HCT unidentified acquisitions, which indicated that the merger could be accretive to Ventas's estimated next 12 months (as of March 31, 2014) AFFO per share. Actual results achieved by the combined company may vary from forecasted results and variations may be material.

        tabular format, in each case, without considering allMiscellaneous

                In connection with Citi's services as HCT's financial advisor, HCT has agreed to pay Citi an aggregate fee of $8.5 million, of which $3.25 million was payable upon delivery of its analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete viewopinion and $5.25 million is payable contingent upon consummation of the processes underlying the analysesmerger. In addition, HCT has agreed to reimburse Citi for certain expenses, including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, and to indemnify Citi and certain related parties against liabilities, including liabilities under federal securities laws, arising from Citi's engagement.

                Citi and its opinion. As a result,affiliates in the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis past have provided, currently are providing and in the future may provide services to HCT, Ventas and/or combination of analyses described above were merely utilized to create points of reference for analytical purposes and should not be taken to be the view of J.P. Morgan with respect to the actual value of NHP or Ventas. The order of analyses described does not represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by J.P. Morgan. In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan did not attribute any particular weight to any analyses or factors considered by it and did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative), considered in isolation, supported or failed to support its opinion. Rather, J.P. Morgan considered the totality of the factors and analyses performed in determining its opinion. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are inherently uncertain, as they are subject to numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties and their advisors. Accordingly, forecasts and analyses used or made by J.P. Morgan are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by those analyses. Moreover, J.P. Morgan's analyses are not and do not purport to be appraisals or otherwise reflective of the prices at which businesses actually could be bought or sold. Except as otherwise noted, the foregoing quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before February 25, 2011, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions. J.P. Morgan's opinion and financial analyses was only one of the many factors considered by the NHP board of directors in its evaluation of the proposed merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the NHP board of directors or management with respectrespective affiliates unrelated to the proposed merger, or the merger consideration. The consideration was determined through negotiation between NHP and Ventas.

                As a part of its investment banking business, J.P. Morganfor which services Citi and its affiliates are continually engagedreceived and may receive compensation including, during the two-year period prior to the date of its opinion, having acted or acting (i) as financial advisor to HCT's affiliate, American Realty Capital Properties, Inc., which we refer to as ARCP, in connection with certain merger and acquisition transactions and matters, (ii) as an underwriter, bookrunner, manager and/or sales or distribution agent, as applicable, with respect to certain securities offerings of ARCP, Ventas and/or their respective affiliates and (iii) as a lender, arranger, bookrunner, documentation agent and/or administrative agent under certain credit facilities of ARCP, Ventas and/or their respective affiliates. For these services rendered during such two-year period, Citi received aggregate fees of approximately $37.5 million from ARCP and approximately $9.2 million from Ventas. In the ordinary course of business, Citi and its affiliates may actively trade or hold the securities of HCT, Ventas and their respective affiliates for its own account or for the account of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities. In addition, Citi and its affiliates (including Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates) may maintain relationships with HCT, Ventas and their respective affiliates.

                HCT selected Citi to act as its financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger based on Citi's reputation, experience and familiarity with HCT and its business. Citi is an internationally recognized investment banking firm that regularly engages in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, investments for passive and control purposes, negotiated underwritings, competitive bids, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. J.P. Morgan was selected on the basis of such experience and its familiarity with NHP to advise NHP in connection with the merger and to deliver a fairness opinion to the NHP board of directors addressing only the fairness from a financial point of view of the exchange ratio to the holders of shares of NHP common stock pursuant to the merger agreement as of the date of such opinion.

                For services rendered in connection with the merger (including the delivery of its opinion), NHP has agreed to pay J.P. Morgan a fee of 0.47% of the total consideration in the merger, approximately $[    •    ] million based on the market price of Ventas common stock as of [    •    ], 2011, $7 million of which was payable upon the earlier of public announcement of a transaction or delivery by J.P. Morgan of its opinion, and the remainder of which is contingent upon the consummation of the merger. NHP took the existence of these contingent fees into account when considering the analyses, advice and opinion of its financial advisor. In addition, NHP has agreed to reimburse J.P. Morgan for certain expenses incurred in connection with its services, including the fees and disbursements of counsel, and has agreed to indemnify J.P. Morgan against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the federal securities laws.

                During the two years preceding the date of its opinion, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates have had commercial and investment banking relationships with NHP and Ventas, for which J.P. Morgan and such affiliates have received customary compensation. Such services during such period have included executing open market repurchases by NHP of certain of its outstanding debt securities in May 2010. In addition, J.P. Morgan's commercial banking affiliate is an agent bank and a lender under outstanding credit facilities of NHP and a lender under outstanding credit facilities of Ventas and also provides treasury and cash management services to each of NHP and Ventas, for which it receives customary compensation or other financial benefits. J.P. Morgan's asset management affiliate also provides asset and wealth management services to NHP for customary compensation. In the ordinary course of their businesses, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities of NHP or


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        Ventas for their own accounts or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, they may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.


        Financial Interests of NHP's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

                NHP's directors and executive officers have financial interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of NHP stockholders generally. The NHP board of directors was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement and the merger, in approving the merger agreement, and in recommending to NHP stockholders that the merger agreement be adopted and the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement be approved.

        Stock Options

                In connection with the merger, each outstanding NHP stock option will become fully vested and exercisable as of the closing of the merger and will, in the discretion of Ventas, either (a) be exchanged for a cash payment based on the spread of the option (calculated using a formula based on a 10-day volume weighted average of Ventas's stock price) or (b) be assumed by Ventas based on the stock option's existing terms and conditions after taking into account its acceleration of vesting and exercisability and subject to adjustment for the exchange ratio, except that stock options granted to Mr. Pasquale in February 2011 will be assumed by Ventas and remain outstanding in accordance with their terms (as adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio). Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement (described below), Mr. Pasquale's stock options (including stock options granted to him in February 2011) would become fully exercisable upon his resignation for any reason during the period six-months prior to and three years following the closing, and as such all of his unvested stock options have been included in the chart below. Assuming a merger completion date of [    •    ], 2011, the number of unvested stock options held by NHP's executive officers which will vest in connection with the merger is set forth in the table below. The NHP directors do not hold any outstanding NHP stock options.

        Name
        Number of Unvested
        Stock Options

        Douglas M. Pasquale

        [•]

        Abdo H. Khoury

        [•]

        Donald D. Bradley

        [•]

        Restricted Stock Units

                In connection with the merger all NHP restricted stock units, including restricted stock units held by Mr. Pasquale which were granted pursuant to the terms of dividend equivalent rights associated with previously granted restricted stock units, will vest in full and be cashed out based on the exchange ratio, except that (i) restricted stock units granted to Mr. Pasquale in February 2011 will be assumed by Ventas and remain outstanding in accordance with their terms and (ii) restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Khoury and Bradley on April 23, 2007 will vest and be settled in accordance with their terms (in each case, as adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio). Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement (described below), Mr. Pasquale would be entitled to full vesting and settlement of his restricted stock units (including restricted stock units granted to him in February 2011) upon his resignation for any reason during the period six-months prior to and three years following the closing, and as such all of his unvested restricted stock units have been included in the chart below. Messrs. Khoury and Bradley were granted restricted stock units on April 23, 2007, and additional restricted stock units were credited pursuant to the terms of associated dividend equivalent rights. The terms of such grants provide for the accelerated vesting of a portion of the units upon a change in control event, with the number of units so accelerated determined based on the year in which the change in control event occurs.


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                Assuming a merger completion date of [    •    ], 2011 and that Mr. Pasquale resigns immediately following the merger, the number of unvested restricted stock units held by each of NHP's executive officers and directors which will vest in connection with the merger is set forth in the table below.

        Name
        Number of Unvested
        Restricted Stock Units

        Douglas M. Pasquale

        [•]

        R. Bruce Andrews

        [•]

        Abdo H. Khoury

        [•]

        Donald D. Bradley

        [•]

        David R. Banks

        [•]

        William K. Doyle

        [•]

        Richard I. Gilchrist

        [•]

        Robert D. Paulson

        [•]

        Keith P. Russell

        [•]

        Jeffrey L. Rush, M.D. 

        [•]

        Performance Shares

                In connection with the merger, vesting of each grant of NHP performance shares will accelerate under the award agreements in respect of the shortened performance period ending as of the closing of the merger, and the shares earned in respect of such accelerated vesting will be converted into Ventas common stock, based on the exchange ratio. Assuming a merger completion date of [    •    ], 2011, the number of performance shares held by each of NHP's executive officers which are expected to vest in the merger is set forth in the table below. The NHP directors do not hold any outstanding NHP performance shares.

        Name
        Number of Unvested
        Performance Shares

        Douglas M. Pasquale

        [•]

        Abdo H. Khoury

        [•]

        Donald D. Bradley

        [•]

        Employment Agreement with Mr. Pasquale

                NHP is party to an employment agreement with Mr. Pasquale which provides that in the event Mr. Pasquale's employment is terminated during the employment term either by NHP other than for "cause" or "disability" or by Mr. Pasquale for "good reason" (which includes resignation for any reason during the period six-months prior to and three years following a "change in control" of NHP) (as those terms are defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Pasquale will be entitled to severance pay that includes: (1) any accrued but unpaid base salary through the termination date; (2) a pro-rated portion of the annual bonus for the year of separation; (3) an amount equal to three times Mr. Pasquale's highest base salary during any of the last three full fiscal years prior to the termination date, payable in equal monthly installments over the three-year period following the termination date; (4) an amount equal to three times the average annual bonus earned by Mr. Pasquale over the last three full fiscal years prior to the termination date, payable in equal annual installments over the three-year period following the termination date; (5) for a period of three years following the termination date, continuation of all benefits in place as of the date of termination for Mr. Pasquale, with terms no less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided to Mr. Pasquale during the year immediately preceding the termination date; (6) accelerated vesting of Mr. Pasquale's equity-based awards to the extent outstanding on the termination date and not otherwise vested; (7) any performance-based dividend equivalents on then-outstanding stock options for


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        the three-year period following the termination date; (8) payment of any compensation previously deferred (including matching contributions and earnings) by Mr. Pasquale in accordance with the provisions of NHP's Deferred Compensation Plan; and (9) in the event that Mr. Pasquale's separation benefits (whether under his employment agreement or any other plan or arrangement) are subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, a gross-up payment so that the net amount of such payment (after taxes) he receives is sufficient to pay the excise tax due. If the employment of Mr. Pasquale was terminated immediately following the merger under circumstances giving rise to the right to receive the separation benefits, the approximate value of the payments and benefits to be provided under the employment agreement would be approximately as follows:

        Executive
        Cash SeveranceBenefit
        Continuation
        Dividend
        Equivalent
        Payment
        Gross-UpTotal

        Douglas M. Pasquale

        [•][•][•][•][•]

        Change in Control Agreements

                NHP is party to change in control agreements with each of Messrs. Khoury and Bradley which provide that, if within six months prior to or three years following a "change in control" of NHP the executive's employment is terminated by NHP without "cause" or by the executive for "good reason" (as those terms are defined in the change in control agreements), then the executive will be entitled to receive the following separation benefits: (1) an amount equal to three times the executive's highest annual base salary during any of the last three full fiscal years prior to separation, payable in equal monthly installments over the three-year period following separation; (2) an amount equal to three times the average annual bonus earned by the executive over the last three full fiscal years prior to separation, payable in equal annual installments over the three-year period following separation; (3) continued medical and life insurance benefits for three years following separation, on terms no less favorable in the aggregate than the most favorable of those provided to the executive during the year immediately preceding the separation; (4) accelerated vesting of all outstanding stock-based awards (except that, as described above, restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Khoury and Bradley on April 23, 2007 will vest and be settled in accordance with their terms); (5) performance-based dividend equivalents on outstanding stock options for the three-year period following separation; and (6) any compensation previously deferred by the executive in accordance with the provisions of the plan under which such compensation was deferred. If the executive's separation benefits (whether under the change in control agreement or any other plan or arrangement) are subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, the change in control agreements provide that NHP will make an additional payment to the executive so that the net amount of such payment (after taxes) received by the executive is sufficient to pay the excise tax due. The consummation of the merger will constitute a "change in control" for purposes of the change in control agreements. If the employment of Messrs. Khoury and Bradley was terminated immediately following the merger under circumstances giving rise to the right to receive the separation benefits, the approximate value of the payments and benefits to be provided under the change in control agreements would be approximately as follows:

        Executive
        Cash SeveranceWelfare
        Benefit
        Continuation
        Dividend
        Equivalent
        Payment
        Gross-UpTotal

        Abdo H. Khoury

        [•][•][•][•][•]

        Donald D. Bradley

        [•][•][•][•][•]

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        Board of Directors and Management Following the Merger

                Ventas has agreed to take all necessary action to cause three members of NHP's current board of directors to be appointed to the Ventas board of directors, effective as of the closing of the merger. One of these persons will be NHP's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Douglas M. Pasquale. The other persons will be individuals who are acceptable to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Ventas. Those individuals have not yet been selected as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

                Ventas currently anticipates that all of the existing executive officers of Ventas will remain executive officers of Ventas following the merger. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, Ventas has not finalized any arrangements with existing executive officers of NHP with respect to their employment by the combined company. If none of the existing executive officers of NHP remains employed by Ventas following the merger, it is anticipated that the associated severance costs would be approximately $[    •    ] based on calculations made as of [    •    ], 2011. However, it is expected that Douglas M. Pasquale will serve as a senior advisor to Ventas to ensure an orderly transition.


        Accounting Treatment

                Ventas prepares its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The merger will be accounted for by applying the acquisition method, which requires the identification of the acquirer, the determination of the acquisition date, the recognition and measurement, at fair value, of the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the consolidated subsidiaries of the acquiree and recognition and measurement of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. The accounting guidance for business combinations, referred to as ASC 805, provides that in a business combination involving the exchange of equity interests, the entity issuing the equity interests is usually the acquirer; however, all pertinent facts and circumstances must be considered, including the relative voting rights of the stockholders of the constituent companies in the combined entity, the composition of the board of directors and senior management of the combined company, the relative size of the company and the terms of the exchange of equity interests in the business combination, including payment of a premium.

                Based on the fact that Ventas is the entity issuing the equity securities, that upon completion of the merger it is estimated that current Ventas stockholders will own approximately 65% of the combined company and former NHP stockholders will own approximately 35% of the combined company and that Ventas board members and senior management will represent the majority of the board and senior management of the combined company, and based on the terms of the merger, with NHP stockholders receiving a premium (as of the trading day immediately preceding the merger announcement) over the fair market value of their shares on such date, Ventas is considered the acquirer for accounting purposes. Therefore, Ventas will recognize and measure, at fair value, the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests in the consolidated subsidiaries of NHP, and Ventas will recognize and measure goodwill and any gain from a bargain purchase, in each case, upon completion of the merger.


        Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger

                Based upon applicable statutes and communications with state regulators, certain states where NHP tenants hold licenses from state health care facility licensing agencies will require notices in connection with the merger. Some states may require that updated information be filed concerning the ownership of the properties. One state will require the filing and approval of a certificate of need application. Another state could require an application that could trigger an inspection of three


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        facilities. To date, we have no reason to believe that any required filing will be rejected or that any approvals will not be obtained in advance of the planned closing date.


        Litigation Relating to the Merger

                In the weeks following the announcement of the merger on February 28, 2011, purported stockholders of NHP filed seven lawsuits against NHP and its directors. Six of these lawsuits also named Ventas as a defendant and five named Needles Acquisition LLC as a defendant. The purported stockholder plaintiffs commenced these actions in two jurisdictions: the Superior Court of the State of California, Orange County, which we refer to as the California State Court; and the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, which we refer to as the Maryland State Court. All of these actions were brought as putative class actions, and two also purport to assert derivative claims on behalf of NHP. All of these stockholder complaints allege that NHP's directors breached certain alleged duties to NHP's stockholders by approving the merger agreement, and certain complaints allege that NHP aided and abetted those breaches. Those complaints that name Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC allege that Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC aided and abetted the purported breaches of certain alleged duties by NHP's directors. All of the complaints request an injunction of the merger. Certain of the complaints also seek damages.

                In the California State Court, the following actions were filed purportedly on behalf of NHP stockholders: on February 28, 2011, a putative class action entitledPalma v. Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., et al.; on March 3, 2011, a putative class action entitledBarker v. Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., et al.; and on March 3, 2011, a putative class action entitledDavis v. Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., et al., which was subsequently amended on March 11, 2011 under the captionDavids v.Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., et al. Each action names NHP and members of the NHP board of directors as defendants. TheBarker andDavids actions also name Ventas as a defendant, and theDavids action names Needles Acquisition LLC as a defendant. Each complaint alleges, among other things, that NHP's directors breached certain alleged duties by approving the merger agreement between NHP and Ventas because the proposed transaction purportedly fails to maximize stockholder value and provides the directors personal benefits not shared by NHP stockholders. ThePalma andDavids actions allege that NHP aided and abetted those purported breaches; theBarker andDavids actions allege that Ventas aided and abetted those purported breaches; and theDavids action alleges that Needles Acquisition LLC aided and abetted those purported breaches. Along with other relief, the complaints seek an injunction against the closing of the proposed merger. On March 22, 2011, the parties to thePalma,Barker, andDavids actions signed a Stipulation and Proposed Order on Consolidation of Related Actions providing for consolidation of all three actions. On April 4, 2011, the defendants in all three actions demurred and moved to stay the proceedings in favor of parallel litigation pending in the Maryland State Court.

                In the Maryland State Court, the following actions were filed purportedly on behalf of NHP stockholders: on March 7, 2011, a putative class action entitledCrowley v. Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., et al.; on March 10, 2011, a putative class action entitledTaylor v. Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., et. al.; on March 17, 2011, a putative class action entitledHaughey Family Trust v.Pasquale, et al.; and on March 31, 2011, a putative class action entitledRappaport v.Pasquale, et al. All four actions name NHP, its directors, Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC as defendants. All four actions allege, among other things, that NHP's directors breached certain alleged duties by approving the merger agreement between NHP and Ventas because the proposed transaction purportedly fails to maximize stockholder value and provides certain directors personal benefits not shared by NHP stockholders. TheHaughey andRappaport actions allege that NHP, Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC aided and abetted those purported breaches; theCrowley action alleges that NHP and Ventas aided and abetted those purported breaches, and theTaylor action alleges that Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC aided and abetted those purported breaches. In addition to asserting direct


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        claims on behalf of a putative class of NHP shareholders, theHaughey andRappaport actions purport to bring derivative claims on behalf of NHP, asserting breaches of certain alleged duties by NHP's directors in connection with their approval of the proposed transaction. All four actions seek to enjoin the proposed merger, and theTaylor action seeks damages.

                On March 30, 2011, pursuant to stipulation of the parties, the Maryland State Court entered an order consolidating the Crowley, Taylor and Haughey actions. On April 1, 2011, pursuant to stipulation of the parties, the Maryland State Court entered an order: (i) certifying a class of NHP shareholders; and (ii) providing for the plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint.

                NHP, its directors, Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC believe that each of these actions is without merit.


        Exchange of Shares in the Merger

                At or prior to the effective time of the merger, Ventas will appoint an exchange agent to handle the exchange of shares of NHP common stock for shares of Ventas common stock. As promptly as practicable after the effective time of the merger, the exchange agent will send to each holder of record of NHP common stock at the effective time of the merger who holds shares of NHP common stock in certificated form a letter of transmittal and instructions for effecting the exchange of NHP common stock certificates for the merger consideration the holder is entitled to receive under the merger agreement. Upon surrender of stock certificates for cancellation along with the executed letter of transmittal and other documents described in the instructions, an NHP stockholder will receive any whole shares of Ventas common stock such holder is entitled to receive and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Ventas common stock such holder is entitled to receive. After the effective time of the merger, NHP will not register any transfers of shares of NHP common stock.

                Upon completion of the merger, shares of NHP common stock held in book-entry form will be automatically converted into whole shares of Ventas common stock in book-entry form and the exchange agent will deliver to holders of book-entry shares cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Ventas common stock such holder is entitled to receive.

                Ventas stockholders need not take any action with respect to their stock certificates or book-entry shares.


        Dividends

                Each company plans to continue its current dividend policy until the closing of the merger. Ventas currently pays an annualized dividend equating to $2.30 per share and NHP currently pays an annualized dividend equating to $1.92 per share. Following the closing of the merger, Ventas expects to continue its current dividend policy for stockholders of the combined company, subject to the discretion of the Ventas board of directors, which reserves the right to change Ventas's dividend policy at any time and for any reason. See "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Ventas Following the Merger—Ventas cannot assure you that it will be able to continue paying dividends at the current rate" on page 20. NHP and Ventas have each agreed to declare a prorated dividend to their respective stockholders for the period between the record date of their last dividend and the closing, at the same rate as their respective dividends for the prior period. The record and payment date for the pro rata dividend will be the close of business on the last business day prior to the effective time of the merger. For additional information on the treatment of dividends under the merger agreement, see "The Merger—The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—Dividends" on page 87.


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        Listing of Ventas Common Stock

                It is a condition to the completion of the merger that the shares of Ventas common stock issuable in connection with the merger be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.


        De-Listing and Deregistration of NHP Common Stock

                After the merger is completed, the NHP common stock currently listed on the NYSE will cease to be listed on the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act.


        Arrangements Between Ventas and NHP Prior to the Merger

                Atria, which has agreed to sell to Ventas substantially all of its real estate assets, is a party to confidentiality agreements, lease agreements and other commercial arrangements with NHP. Neither Ventas nor NHP views any of these arrangements as material to Ventas or NHP.


        No Appraisal Rights

                Under Section 3-202 of Maryland law, holders of NHP common stock may not exercise the rights of objecting stockholders to receive the fair value of their shares in connection with the merger because the shares of NHP are listed on the NYSE.

                Under Section 262 of Delaware law, the holders of Ventas common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger or the matters to be voted upon at the Ventas special meeting.


        Certain VentasUnaudited Prospective Financial Information of HCT

                Ventas does not, as a matter of course, make public internal prospective financial analysis and information due to, among other reasons, the uncertainty of the underlying assumptions and estimates. However, in connection with the evaluation of the merger, Ventas provided the NHP board of directors and management and J.P. Morgan with hypothetical, unaudited financial information for Ventas for fiscal years 2011 through 2013, which we refer to as the Ventas case. The Ventas case is speculative by its nature and is based on numerous assumptions, including with regard to the volume of, and returns on, acquisitions, borrowing costs and cost of equity, which are inherently uncertain and beyond the knowledge and control of Ventas management. Ventas has included below a summary of the Ventas case to give Ventas stockholders and NHP stockholders access to certain non-public information that was furnished to third parties. A subset of this information not reflecting the impact of future acquisition activity was also made available to the Ventas board of directors and Centerview Partners in connection with their evaluation of the merger.

                The inclusion of the Ventas case should not be regarded as an indication that any of Ventas, NHP, Centerview Partners, J.P. Morgan or any other recipient of this information considered, or now considers, it to be predictive of actual future results. The Ventas case is subjective in many respects and there can be no assurance that the results indicated will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower than estimated. Since the Ventas case covers multiple years, such information by its nature becomes less predictive with each successive year.

                Ventas stockholders and NHP stockholders are urged to review Ventas's SEC filings for a description of risk factors with respect to Ventas's business. See "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on page 23 and "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131. The Ventas case was not prepared with a view toward public disclosure, nor was it prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the SEC, the guidelines


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        established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information, or GAAP.

                Neither Ernst & Young LLP nor any other independent accountants, have compiled, examined or performed any procedures with respect to the the Ventas case, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information or its achievability. The report of Ernst & Young LLP contained in Ventas's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, relates to Ventas's historical financial information. It does not extend to the Ventas case and should not be read to do so. Furthermore, the Ventas case does not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date it was prepared.

                The following table presents a summary of the Ventas case:

         
         2011 2012 2013 
         
         (In thousands)
         

        Revenues

         $1,604,571 $1,917,624 $2,083,928 

        Normalized EBIT (Excluding Gains and Losses)

          526,222  620,975  716,347 

        Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders

          197,936  428,753  397,711 

        Normalized FFO

          588,003  694,245  777,132 

        Normalized FAD

          552,466  657,929  744,496 

                Normalized FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that Ventas defines as net income, computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses from sales of real estate property, plus real estate depreciation and amortization expenses and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures, and excluding certain income and expense items (which may be recurring in nature). Normalized FAD is a non-GAAP financial measure that Ventas defines as normalized FFO excluding straight-line rental adjustments and routine capital expenditures.

                The inclusion of the above information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that Ventas, NHP, Centerview Partners or J.P. Morgan, or their respective officers, directors and other affiliates consider such information to be an accurate prediction of future events or necessarily achievable. The estimates and assumptions underlying the Ventas case involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive, regulatory and financial market conditions and future business decisions that may not be realized and that are inherently speculative and subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies, including, among others, the risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on pages 16 and 23, respectively, and in Ventas's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. All of these uncertainties and contingencies are difficult to predict and many of them are beyond the control of Ventas and/or NHP and will be beyond the control of the combined company. There can be no assurance that the underlying assumptions will prove to be accurate or that the estimated results will be realized, and actual results likely will differ, and may differ materially, from those reflected in the Ventas case, whether or not the merger is completed. None of Ventas, NHP, Centerview Partners or J.P. Morgan or their respective officers, directors and other affiliates has made any representations regarding the Ventas case.

                In addition, although presented with numerical specificity, the above information reflects numerous assumptions and estimates as to future events made by Ventas management that Ventas management believed were reasonable at the time the Ventas case was prepared, but which may not accurately predict future events. The above information does not give effect to the merger. Ventas stockholders and NHP stockholders are urged to review Ventas's most recent SEC filings for a description of Ventas's results of operations and financial condition and capital resources during 2010, including


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        "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Ventas's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

                Readers of this joint proxy statement/prospectus are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the information set forth above. No representation is made by Ventas, NHP or any other person to any Ventas stockholder or any NHP stockholder regarding the ultimate performance of Ventas compared to the information included in the Ventas case. The inclusion of the Ventas case in this joint proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that such information will be an accurate prediction of future events, and the information should not be relied on as such.

        VENTAS DOES NOT INTEND TO UPDATE OR OTHERWISE REVISE THE ABOVE INFORMATION TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING AFTER THE DATE WHEN MADE OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF FUTURE EVENTS, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OR ALL OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING SUCH INFORMATION ARE NO LONGER APPROPRIATE, EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW.


        Certain NHP Financial Information

                NHPHCT does not as a matter of course make public long-term projections as to future revenues, earnings or other results due to, among other reasons, the uncertainty of the underlying assumptions and estimates. However, NHPHCT is including these projections that were made availableprovided to the NHP board of directors, the Ventas board of directors and management, J.P. Morgan and/or Centerview PartnersHCT's financial advisor for use in connection with its financial analysis and opinion described in the evaluationsection entitled "—Opinion of the merger.HCT's financial advisor." The inclusion of this information should not be regarded as an indication that any of NHP,HCT, Ventas, J.P. Morgan, Centerview Partnerstheir respective advisors or any other recipient of this information considered, or now considers, it to be necessarily predictive of actual future results.

                The projections areunaudited prospective financial information of HCT was, in general, prepared solely for internal use and is subjective in many respects. As a result, there can be no assurance that the prospective results will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower than


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        estimated. SinceBecause the projections coverunaudited prospective financial information covers multiple years, such information by its nature becomes less predictive with each successive year. NHP stockholders and Ventas

                HCT stockholders are urged to review the SEC filings of NHPHCT for a description of the risk factors with respect to the business of NHP.HCT. See "Cautionary Statement RegardingConcerning Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on page 2334 and "Where You Can Find More Information"Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 131.127. The projections were notunaudited prospective financial information was neither prepared with a view toward public disclosure, nor were theywas it prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the SEC the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information, or U.S. GAAP.

                Neither Ernst & Young LLPthe independent registered public accounting firm of HCT nor any other independent accountants haveaccountant has compiled, examined, or performed any audit or other procedures with respect to the projectionsunaudited prospective financial results contained herein, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information or its achievability. The report of Ernst & Young LLPthe independent registered public accounting firm of HCT contained in NHP'sHCT's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010,2013, which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, relates to the historical financial information of NHP.HCT. It does not extend to the projectionsunaudited prospective financial information and should not be read to do so.

                Furthermore, the projections dounaudited prospective financial information does not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the respective dates on which they wereit was prepared.

                In November 2010, NHP's management prepared projections for NHP's internal use, which were provided during Readers of this proxy statement/prospectus are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the course of Ventas's due diligence process to Ventas, Centerview Partners and J.P. Morgan. The November 2010 projectionsunaudited prospective financial information set forth below werebelow. No representation is made by HCT, Ventas or any other person to any HCT stockholder regarding the ultimate performance of HCT compared to the results included in the unaudited prospective financial information presented below. The inclusion of unaudited prospective financial information in this proxy statement/prospectus should not used by J.P. Morganbe regarded as an indication that the unaudited prospective financial information will be necessarily predictive of actual future events, and such information should not be relied on as such.

                The following tables present selected unaudited prospective financial data for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015 and the fiscal years ending 2014 through 2018 under both a "base" case and a "base plus growth" case. The base case represented the HCT standalone business model with known acquisitions in the first half of fiscal year 2014, and no further acquisitions through fiscal year 2018. The base plus growth case represented the HCT standalone business model and provided for known asset acquisitions in the first half of fiscal year 2014, plus unidentified asset acquisitions for the second half of fiscal year 2014 and the balance of the business plan through fiscal year 2018.

        Base Case
        (In millions)
         Next
        12 Months
         2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 

        Cash NOI

         $150 $148 $153 $158 $161 $164 

        EBITDA

          152  151  153  155  156  157 

        FFO

          123  124  125  127  129  131 

        AFFO

          114  114  117  120  124  127 


        Base Plus Growth Case
        (In millions)
         Next
        12 Months
         2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 

        Cash NOI

         $169 $165 $210 $251 $293 $339 

        EBITDA

          173  169  214  258  299  344 

        FFO

          132  128  158  192  223  255 

        AFFO

          120  116  141  170  198  229 

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        connection with        For the preparationpurposes of J.P. Morgan's fairness opinion. The following table presents selectedthe unaudited prospective financial information for the fiscal years ending 2011 through 2013:information:

         
         Forecast for Fiscal Year Ending
        December 31,
         
         
         2011 2012 2013 
         
         (In thousands)
         

        Revenue

         $526,558 $682,659 $869,543 

        Income from Continuing Operations

          176,756  243,490  306,872 

        Net Income Attributable to NHP Common Stockholders

          191,665  254,701  322,150 

        Adjusted Diluted FFO

          343,199  421,400  518,775 

        Adjusted Diluted FAD

          342,463  418,971  513,683 

                In February 2011, NHP's management updated their November 2010 projections to reflect current information and assumptions. In updating the projections, NHP's management assumed different market conditions, including higher interest rates, and a lower rent amount from Hearthstone. These projections were provided to J.P. Morgan and used by J.P. Morgan in connection with the preparation of its fairness opinion. These projections were not provided to Ventas

          Cash NOI means net operating income, or Centerview Partners because they reliedNOI, presented on a financial model that Ventas had prepared based on the November 2010 projections, and both Ventas and Centerview were aware of the factors that caused NHP management to update their projections. The following table presents revised selected unaudited prospective financial information for the fiscal years ending 2011 through 2013 that was prepared in February 2011:

           
           Forecast for Fiscal Year Ending
          December 31,
           
           
           2011 2012 2013 
           
           (In thousands)
           

          Revenue

           $526,891 $676,440 $858,836 

          Income from Continuing Operations

            170,128  238,004  300,629 

          Net Income Attributable to NHP Common Stockholders

            190,366  264,663  337,690 

          Adjusted Diluted FFO

            338,784  416,055  512,621 

          Adjusted Diluted FAD

            332,554  414,376  508,946 

                  Adjusted Diluted FFO and Adjusted Diluted FAD are non-GAAP measures that NHP believes are important to understanding NHP's operations. NHP believes Adjusted Diluted FFOcash basis, which is an important supplemental measure of operating performance because it excludesNOI after eliminating the effects of straight-lining of rent and the amortization of above-and below-market leases. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

          FFO, or funds from operations, means net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses from sales of property but including asset impairment writedowns, plus depreciation and amortization, after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and gains (losses)joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures are calculated to reflect FFO. FFO is calculated in compliance with and is defined consist with the standards established by the White Paper on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc., as revised in February 2004.

          AFFO, adjusted funds from sales of facilities (both of which are based on historicaloperations, means FFO excluding acquisition and transaction related costs and certain income or expense items that HCT considers more reflective of investing activities, other non-cash income and expense items and the income and expense effects of other activities that are not a fundamental attribute of HCT's business plan. These items include unrealized gains and losses, which may not ultimately be realized, such as gains or losses on derivative instruments, gains or losses on contingent valuation rights, gains and losses on investments and early extinguishment of limited relevance in evaluating current performance). NHP believes Adjusted Diluted FAD is an important supplemental measuredebt. AFFO also excludes dividends on Class B units. In addition, AFFO excludes non-cash income and expense items such as amortization of operating performance because, in addition to the items excluded in calculating Adjusted Diluted FFO, it excludes straight-linedabove- and below-market leases, amortization of deferred financing costs, straight-line rent and other non-cash items that have become more significant for NHP and NHP's competitors over the last several years. Adjusted Diluted FFO and Adjusted Diluted FAD also exclude acquisition costs, which is dependent on acquisitions made and can fluctuate significantly from period to period. NHP believes that net income is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted Diluted FFO and Adjusted Diluted FAD.

          equity compensation expense.

                In preparing the foregoing projections, NHPunaudited prospective financial results, HCT's management made a number of assumptions and estimates regarding, among other things, future interest rates, NHP'sthe volume and returns associated with investment activity, use of leverage and attendant costs associated with debt capital sourced to fund investments, the availability and cost of equity capital sourced to fund investments, future stock price, the level of future investments by NHP and the yield to be achieved on such investments, financing of future investments, including leverage ratios, future propertyasset sales by NHP, future mortgage and receivable loan payoffs to NHP, the ability to refinance certain of NHP's outstanding secured and unsecured debt and the terms of any such refinancing, and future lease renewals, purchase option exercises, capital expenditureslevels of corporate related general and dividend rates. NHP management believed theseadministrative expenses.

                The assumptions made in preparing the unaudited prospective financial information may not accurately reflect future conditions. The estimates and estimates were reasonable atassumptions underlying the time the projections were prepared, but these assumptionsunaudited prospective financial information involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive, regulatory and estimatesfinancial market conditions and future business decisions that may not be realized and that are


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        inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies, including, among others, the risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement RegardingConcerning Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on pages 16 and 23, respectively, and in NHP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010,above, all of which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. All of these uncertainties and contingencies are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of NHP and/or VentasHCT and will be beyond the control of the combined company.

                Readers of this joint proxy statement/prospectus are cautioned HCT's management believes these assumptions and estimates were reasonably prepared but these assumptions may not to place undue reliance on the projections set forth above. The inclusion of the above projections in this joint proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that NHP, Ventas, J.P. Morgan, Centerview Partners or their respective officers, directors and other affiliates consider such information to be an accurate prediction of future events or necessarily achievable. There can be no assurance that the underlying assumptions will prove to be accurate or thatand the projected results willmay not be realized, and actual results likely will differ, and may differ materially, from those reflected in the projections,unaudited prospective financial information, whether or not the merger is completed. In addition,HCT believes that no material change in its operations, performance or projections has occurred since Citi delivered its opinion, and HCT does not anticipate any material changes in its operations or performance before the above projections do not give effect to the merger. None of NHP, Ventas, J.P. Morgan, Centerview Partners or their respective officers, directors and other affiliates has made any representations regarding the performance of NHP compared to the information included in the above projections.HCT stockholder meeting.

                NHP stockholders and Ventas stockholders are urged to review NHP's most recent SEC filings for a description of NHP's results of operations and financial condition and capital resources during 2010, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in NHP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 131.

        NHPHCT DOES NOT INTEND TO UPDATE OR OTHERWISE REVISE THE ABOVE PROJECTIONSUNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL RESULTS TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING AFTER THE DATE WHEN MADE OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF FUTURE EVENTS, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OR ALL OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING SUCH PROJECTIONSTHE UNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL RESULTS ARE NO LONGER APPROPRIATE, EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW.


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        Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers of HCT

                At the close of business on the record date, the directors and executive officers of HCT and their affiliates held [            ] shares of HCT common stock, collectively representing [    ]% of the shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on that date.


        Certain Fees and Expense Reimbursements Payable in Connection with the Merger

                As of the date of this filing, the following fees and expense reimbursements are payable in connection with the merger:

        Entity
        DescriptionAmount

        RCS Capital

        Provision of financial advisory and strategic services to HCT prior to the consummation of the merger pursuant to the HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement between HCT and RCS Capital, the investment banking and capital markets division of RCS.0.25% of the transaction value of the merger

        American Realty Capital Healthcare Special Limited Partner, LLC

        Upon closing of the merger, HCT OP will issue 5,613,374 OP Units to American Realty Capital Healthcare Special Limited Partnership,  LLC. In addition, at closing, the Advisor will forfeit the Award LTIP Units (as defined in the 2014 Multi-Year Outperformance Agreement, which we refer to as the OPP), the Third Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, which we refer to as the Advisory Agreement, will terminate without the requisite 60-day notice, the Property Management and Leasing Agreement, which we refer to as the Management Agreement, will terminate without the requisite 60-day notice, and American Realty Capital Healthcare Special Limited Partnership, LLC will contribute its right to distributions from HCT OP, as evidenced by the Listing Note Agreement, to HCT OP.

        5,613,374 OP Units

        Each of RCS Capital and RCS is an entity under common control with the Advisor.


        Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

                In considering the recommendation of the HCT Board to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, HCT stockholders should be aware that HCT's directors and executive officers have certain interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of HCT stockholders generally. These interests may create potential conflicts of interest. The HCT Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. These interests are described in further detail below. Except as otherwise noted, amounts specified below have been calculated assuming that the merger was consummated on October 14, 2014.


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        HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement

                On May 23, 2014, HCT entered into a letter agreement with RCS Capital, the investment banking and capital markets division of RCS (we refer to this letter agreement as the HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement), pursuant to which RCS Capital agreed to act as financial advisor to HCT in connection with a possible sale or acquisition transaction involving HCT. In connection with the HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement and the services provided by RCS Capital thereunder, HCT agreed to pay RCS Capital an amount equal to 0.25% of the Transaction Value (as defined below), which we refer to as the Transaction Fee, of an acquisition transaction, payable upon the consummation of such acquisition transaction. For purposes of the HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement, "Transaction Value," means the sum of (i) the value of the merger consideration, (ii) the aggregate value of any debt, capital lease and preferred equity security obligations assumed, retired, cancelled or defeased in connection with the merger and (iii) the amount of any fees, expenses and promote paid. HCT also agreed to reimburse RCS Capital for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses arising in connection with the merger, regardless of whether the merger is consummated. The HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement may be terminated by HCT or RCS Capital at any time with or without cause upon delivery of written notice. In the event that the HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement is terminated, RCS Capital will be entitled to the Transaction Fee then due and payable and any expenses incurred prior to such termination. In addition, RCS Capital will be entitled to the Transaction Fee if the merger is consummated at any time prior to the earlier of (i) the date on which RCS Capital resigns its engagement or is terminated for cause and (ii) 18 months from the date of any other termination of the HCT Investment Banking Services Agreement by HCT. If, during the term of RCS Capital's engagement or within 18 months thereafter, the merger agreement is terminated prior to the consummation of the merger or the merger is not otherwise consummated and HCT receives a break-up fee in connection with such non-consummation, HCT will pay RCS Capital 30% of such break-up fee less expenses incurred by HCT in connection with the merger. RCS Capital and RCS are under common control with the Advisor. Certain directors and officers of HCT also have interests in RCS Capital and RCS.


        Termination of Advisory Agreement, Property Management Agreement, Listing Note Agreement and OPP

                In connection with the merger, HCT entered into amendments terminating the following agreements:

          2014 Multi-Year Outperformance Agreement, or the OPP, between HCT, HCT OP and the Advisor;

          Third Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, or the Advisory Agreement, by and among HCT, HCT OP and the Advisor;

          Property Management and Leasing Agreement, or the Management Agreement, by and among HCT, HCT OP and American Realty Capital Healthcare Properties, LLC, which we refer to as the Property Manager; and

          Listing Note Agreement by and among HCT OP and American Realty Capital Healthcare Special Limited Partnership, LLC, which we refer to as the SLP.

                Upon closing of the merger, the Advisor will forfeit the Award LTIP Units (as defined in the OPP), the Advisory Agreement will terminate without the requisite 60-day notice, the Management Agreement will terminate without the requisite 60-day notice, and the SLP will contribute its right to distributions from HCT OP, as evidenced by the Listing Note Agreement, to HCT OP. At closing, HCT OP will issue to the SLP 5,613,374 OP Units (as defined in the Listing Note Agreement).

                At the partnership merger effective time, each HCT OP limited partnership unit issued and outstanding immediately prior to the partnership merger effective time, including the 5,613,374 units to


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        be issued to the SLP and 1,443,897 limited partnership units currently held by individual affiliates of the Advisor, will be converted into a number of a newly created class of units of the surviving partnership equal to the Exchange Ratio. Subject to the terms of the limited partnership agreement of the surviving partnership, each limited partnership unit in the surviving partnership will be entitled to distributions payable in respect of one share of Ventas common stock and will be redeemable for one share of Ventas common stock, or, at the election of Ventas, an equivalent amount in cash.

                Certain directors and officers of HCT have interests in the Advisor, the SLP and the Property Manager.


        Treatment of HCT Restricted Shares

                Under the merger agreement, each restricted share of HCT common stock held by a director or executive officer of HCT that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will, immediately prior to the effective time, vest in full, and the restrictions with respect thereto will lapse. Each such restricted share will be deemed an issued and outstanding share of HCT common stock as of immediately prior to the effective time and will be entitled to receive the merger consideration determined in accordance with the merger agreement and otherwise subject to the terms and conditions of merger agreement, including the election and proration provisions.

                If the merger were consummated as of October 14, 2014, an aggregate of 225,905 restricted shares of HCT common stock held by the directors, including 40,000 restricted shares held by Nicholas S. Schorsch, Executive Chairman of the HCT Board, would vest in full immediately prior to the consummation of the merger and be entitled to receive the merger consideration as described above. For an estimate of the amount that would be payable to Mr. Schorsch upon the vesting of his restricted shares, see "—Merger-Related Compensation for a Named Executive Officer of HCT" below.


        Merger-Related Compensation for a Named Executive Officer of HCT

                The table below sets forth the estimated amount of compensation that Nicholas S. Schorsch, Executive Chairman of the HCT Board, and a named executive officer of HCT, could receive that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger, which we refer to as the golden parachute compensation. The golden parachute compensation payable to Mr. Schorsch is subject to a non-binding, advisory vote of HCT's stockholders, as described above in "Proposals Submitted to HCT Stockholders—Advisory Vote Regarding Merger-Related Compensation." For a description of the treatment of outstanding restricted shares of HCT held by HCT's directors, see "—Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger—Treatment of HCT Restricted Shares" above. None of the other named executive officers received, or will receive, any golden parachute compensation.

                The following table sets forth the amount that may be paid to Mr. Schorsch in connection with the merger, assuming: (1) the merger was consummated on October 14, 2014 and (2) a merger consideration value of $11.33 per share of HCT common stock (see footnote 1 to the table). The amount shown below is an estimate based on multiple assumptions made for purposes of disclosure in this proxy statement/prospectus. The actual amounts to be received by Mr. Schorsch may differ materially from the amounts set forth below.


        Golden Parachute Compensation

        Name
         Equity
        ($)(1)
         Total
        ($)
         

        Nicholas S. Schorsch

          453,200  453,200 

        (1)
        Pursuant to the merger agreement, immediately prior to the consummation of the merger, all 40,000 restricted shares of HCT common stock held by Mr. Schorsch will vest

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          and each such share of HCT common stock will be entitled to the per share cash or stock merger consideration, subject to Mr. Schorsch's election and the terms of the merger agreement. The treatment of restricted shares of HCT common stock in the merger is further described in the section above entitled "—Interests of HCT's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger—Treatment of HCT Restricted Shares." The disclosed aggregate dollar value assumes a price per share of HCT common stock of $11.33, which represents the fixed dollar amount to be received by Mr. Schorsch if he elects to receive cash merger consideration, subject to the terms of the merger agreement. If Mr. Schorsch elects to receive stock merger consideration, subject to the terms of the merger agreement, then the aggregate dollar value will be $436,320, which assumes a price per share of HCT common stock of $10.908 (based on the average closing market price of HCT common stock over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger).


        Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger Agreement

                  The merger may be subject to certain regulatory requirements of municipal, state and federal, domestic or foreign, governmental agencies and authorities, including those relating to the offer and sale of securities. Ventas's obligation to complete the merger is conditioned on the receipt of certain required regulatory approvals.

          Accounting Treatment

                  In accordance with GAAP, Ventas will account for the mergers using the acquisition method of accounting with Ventas treated as the acquiror of HCT for accounting purposes. Under acquisition accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded as of the acquisition date, at their respective fair values, and added to those of Ventas. Any excess of purchase price over the fair values will be recorded as goodwill. Consolidated financial statements of Ventas issued after the mergers would reflect HCT's fair values after the completion of the mergers, but will not be restated retroactively to reflect the historical consolidated financial position or results of operations of HCT.


        Listing of Ventas Common Stock

                  Ventas will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in the merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the completion of the merger. Approval of the listing on the NYSE of the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in the merger, subject to official notice of issuance, is a condition to each party's obligation to complete the merger.


        Deregistration of HCT Common Stock

                  If the merger is completed, HCT common stock will be delisted from Nasdaq and deregistered under the Exchange Act, and HCT will no longer file periodic reports with the SEC.


        Restrictions on Sales of Shares of Ventas Common Stock Received in the Merger

                  Shares of Ventas common stock issued in the merger will not be subject to any restrictions on transfer arising under the Securities Act, except for shares of Ventas common stock issued to any HCT stockholder who may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of Ventas after the completion of the merger. This proxy statement/prospectus does not cover resales of Ventas common stock received by any person upon the completion of the merger, and no person is authorized to make any use of this proxy statement/prospectus in connection with any resale.


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        THE MERGER AGREEMENT

                The following is a summaryThis section of this proxy statement/prospectus describes the material terms and conditionsprovisions of the merger agreement. agreement and the first amendment thereto, which are attached as Annex A and Annex B, respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by reference. As a stockholder, you are not a third-party beneficiary of the merger agreement and therefore you may not directly enforce any of its terms and conditions.

        This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the merger agreement that is important to you. This summary is qualified in its entirety by referenceVentas and HCT urge you to carefully read the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to, and incorporated by reference into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The rights and obligations of the parties are governed by the express terms and conditionsfull text of the merger agreement, and not by this summary or any other information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to readas amended, because it is the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety before making any decisions regardinglegal document that governs the merger.


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        Explanatory Note Regarding the Merger Agreement and the Summary of the Merger Agreement: Representations, Warranties and Covenants in the Merger Agreement Are Not Intended to Function as Public Disclosures

        The merger agreement and the summary of its terms in this joint proxy statement/prospectus have been included onlyis not intended to provide you with information about the terms and conditions of the merger agreement. The terms and information in the merger agreement are not intended to provide any other public disclosure of factual information about Ventas NHP or any of their respective subsidiaries, affiliates or businesses. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the merger agreement are made by Ventas, NHP and Needles Acquisition LLC only for purposes of the merger agreement and as of specific dates and were qualified and subject to certain limitations and exceptions agreed to by Ventas, NHP and Needles Acquisition LLC in connection with negotiating the terms of the merger agreement.HCT. In particular, the assertions embodied in your review of the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement (and summarized below) are qualified by information each of Ventas and describedHCT filed with the SEC on or after January 1, 2013 and prior to the date of the merger agreement, as well as by certain confidential disclosure letters each of the parties delivered to the other in this summary, it is importantconnection with the signing of the merger agreement that modify, qualify and create exceptions to bear in mind that the representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the parties toset forth in the merger agreementagreement. Moreover, some of those representations and were negotiated forwarranties may not be accurate or complete as of any specified date, may apply contractual standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material by investors or that is different from standards of materiality generally applicable under the purposeU.S. federal securities laws, and are not intended as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating contractual risk among the parties to the merger agreement rather than to establish matters as facts.agreement. The representations and warranties may also be subject to a contractual standard of materiality or material adverse effect different from those generally applicable to stockholders and reports and documents filed with the SEC, and, in some cases, they may be qualified by disclosures made by one party to the other which are not necessarily reflected in the merger agreement or other public disclosures made by Ventas or NHP. The representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement do not survive the effective time of the merger. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants, which do not purport to be accurate as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, may have changed since the dateprovisions of the merger agreement and subsequent developments or new information may not be fully reflectedthe description of such provisions in public disclosures of Ventas or NHP.

        For the foregoing reasons, the representations, warranties and covenants or any descriptions of those provisionsthis proxy statement/prospectus should not be read alone or relied upon as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of NHP or Ventas or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Instead, such provisions or descriptionsbut instead should be read only in conjunction with the other information provided elsewherecontained in the reports, statements and filings that each of Ventas and HCT file with the SEC and the other information in this document or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information"Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 131.127.


        Form, Effective Time and ClosingConsummation of the Merger

                The merger agreement provides for the merger of NHPHCT with and into Needles Acquisition LLC,Merger Sub, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement. Needles Acquisition LLCMerger Sub will be the surviving entity in the merger and, following completion of the merger, will continue to exist under the name Nationwide Health Properties,Stripe Sub, LLC as a wholly owneddirect subsidiary of Ventas. The merger will become effective upon the later of the time of filing of articles of merger with, and acceptance for record of articles of merger by, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland and the filing of a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at a later date and time agreed to by Ventas and NHPHCT and specified in the articles of merger and certificate of merger.

                Subject to certain limitations, if requested by Ventas, the merger agreement provides that NHP will (i) agree to, and cooperate in the implementation of, certain reorganization transactions necessary to implement a holding company structure for NHP and to any corresponding changes to the structure of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (ii) cooperate with Ventas with respect to any other reasonable changes regarding the structure of the transaction.

        The merger agreement provides that the closingconsummation of the merger will take place on the secondthird business day following the date on which the last of the conditions to closingconsummation of the merger (described under "The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger") have been satisfied or waived (other than the conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the consummation of the merger, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions), provided that in no event will Ventas or Merger Sub be required to consummate the merger until the earlier of: (i) the date that is five business days after certain third-party consents have been obtained, and (ii) the outside date (as defined below).


        Partnership Merger

                The merger agreement also provides for the merger of OP Merger Sub, an indirect subsidiary of Ventas, with and into HCT OP, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the merger agreement. HCT OP will be the surviving entity in the partnership merger and, following completion of the


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        waived (other thanpartnership merger, will continue to exist as an indirect subsidiary of Ventas. The partnership merger will become effective upon the conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied atfiling of a certificate of merger with the closingSecretary of State of the merger, but subject to the fulfillmentState of Delaware or waiver of those conditions). However, in the event that Ventas directs NHP to prepay certain of its outstanding indebtedness and the earliest permitted date for such prepayment is after the then-scheduled closing date, or if any regulatory approvals or significant third-party consents have not been obtained, Ventas may, onat a one-time basis, defer the closing until the earliest to occur of (a) such earliest permitted prepayment date, (b) 30 days after the previously scheduled closinglater date and (c) October 31, 2011.

        Organizational Documents of the Surviving Entity

                Upon completion of the merger,time agreed to by Ventas and HCT and specified in the certificate of formation andmerger. The parties to the merger agreement have agreed to cause the partnership merger to become effective immediately after the effective time of the merger. The merger agreement also provides that the limited liability companypartnership agreement of Needles Acquisition LLCHCT OP will be amended and restated, effective at the partnership merger effective time.

                At the partnership merger effective time, the general partnership interest in effect asOP Merger Sub held by Merger Sub and the limited partnership interest in OP Merger Sub held by an affiliate of Merger Sub will be automatically cancelled and the general partnership interest in HCT OP held by HCT will remain outstanding and constitute the only outstanding general partnership interest in the surviving partnership. Under Delaware law and HCT OP's limited partnership agreement, the merger of HCT with and into Merger Sub automatically transfers the general partnership interest in HCT OP held by HCT to Merger Sub, and Merger Sub will automatically become the general partner of the surviving partnership at the partnership merger effective time. In addition, the merger agreement provides that, at the partnership merger effective time, each HCT OP limited partnership unit issued and outstanding immediately prior to the partnership merger effective time, including the 5,613,374 units to be issued to the SLP and 1,443,897 limited partnership units currently held by individual affiliates of the Advisor, will be converted into a number of a newly created class of limited partnership units in the certificatesurviving partnership equal to the Exchange Ratio. Subject to the terms of formation and limited liability companypartnership agreement of the surviving entity.

        Merger Consideration; Conversion or Cancellation of Sharespartnership, each limited partnership unit in the surviving partnership will be entitled to distributions payable in respect of one share of Ventas common stock and will be redeemable for one share of Ventas common stock, or, at the election of Ventas, an equivalent amount in cash.


        Consideration to Be Received in the Merger

        Merger Consideration

          Merger Consideration

                If the merger is completed, each issued and outstanding share of NHPHCT common stock (other than shares of NHPHCT common stock owned by HCT, any wholly owned subsidiary of NHP,HCT, Ventas or any wholly owned subsidiary of Ventas, which will be cancelled) will be converted automatically into the right to receive, 0.7866at the election of each such stockholder, subject to proration as described below, either (i) $11.33 in cash, or (ii) a number of shares of Ventas common stock which we referequal to the Exchange Ratio. In no event will cash consideration be paid with respect to more than 10% of the shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the consummation of the merger (including restricted shares). If the aggregate elections for payment in this joint proxy statement/prospectuscash exceed 10% of the number of shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the exchange ratio. No fractionalconsummation of the merger, then the amount of cash consideration paid on cash elections will be reduced on a pro rata basis, with the remaining consideration paid in shares of Ventas common stock. The value of the cash consideration may be higher or lower than the value of the stock will be issued. Insteadconsideration at the time of the completion of the merger.

                In lieu of any fractional shares, NHPHCT stockholders will receive cash, without interest, in an amount determinedequal to the product of (i) such fractional part of a share of Ventas common stock, multiplied by multiplying(ii) the fractional interest to which such holder would otherwise be entitled by the volume weighted averageper share closing price of Ventas common stock on the NYSE on the date of the closing of the merger, as reported inThe Wall Street Journal. Similarly, in lieu of any fractional limited partnership units in the surviving partnership, each holder of HCT OP limited partnership units will receive cash, without interest, in an amount equal to the product of (i) such fractional part of a share of limited partnership unit, multiplied by (ii) the per share closing price of Ventas common stock on the NYSE on the date of the closing of the merger, as reported inThe Wall Street Journal.


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                Ventas intends to pay for cash elections by HCT stockholders using a combination of available cash on hand and borrowings under Ventas's unsecured revolving credit facility.


        Proration Adjustment of the 10 trading daysMerger Consideration

                The maximum number of shares of HCT common stock that may be converted into the right to receive cash consideration equals 10% (rounded down to the nearest whole share) of the number of shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing.effective time of the merger (including restricted shares).

                If the aggregate elections for payment in cash exceed 10% of the number of shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, then the amount of cash consideration paid on cash elections will be reduced on a pro rata basis, with the remaining consideration paid in shares of Ventas common stock.

                In such case, each HCT stockholder who elected to receive stock consideration or who made no election will receive the stock consideration, and each HCT stockholder who elected to receive cash consideration in respect of all or a portion of such stockholder's HCT common stock, which we refer to as the cash election shares, will receive cash in respect of a number of such stockholder's cash election shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the number of such stockholder's cash election shares by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the maximum number of shares of HCT common stock that may be converted into the right to receive cash consideration (i.e., 10% of the number of shares of HCT common stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the effective time of the merger) and the denominator of which is the number of shares of HCT common stock in respect of which a cash election has been made by all HCT stockholders, with the remaining number of such stockholder's cash election shares being converted into the right to receive the stock consideration.

                By way of example, before any cash payment for fractional shares of Ventas common stock, an illustrative HCT stockholder who has elected to receive cash consideration for 1,000 shares of its HCT common stock would receive the following consideration in exchange for such cash election shares:

          $11.33 per share for 1,000 shares, or $11,330 in the aggregate, if no other HCT stockholder elected to receive cash consideration;

          $11.33 per share for 1,000 shares, or $11,330 in the aggregate, if HCT stockholders collectively elected to receive cash consideration for 10% of the total number of shares of HCT common stock outstanding;

          $11.33 per share for 500 shares and 0.1688 shares of Ventas common stock per share for 500 shares, or $5,665 and 84 shares of Ventas common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) in the aggregate, if HCT stockholders collectively elected to receive cash consideration for 20% of the total number of shares of HCT common stock outstanding;

          $11.33 per share for 200 shares and 0.1688 shares of Ventas common stock per share for 800 shares, or $2,266 and 135 shares of Ventas common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) in the aggregate, if HCT stockholders collectively elected to receive cash consideration for 50% of the total number of shares of HCT common stock outstanding; or

          $11.33 per share for 100 shares and 0.1688 shares of Ventas common stock per share for 900 shares, or $1,133 and 151 shares of Ventas common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) in the aggregate, if HCT stockholders collectively elected to receive cash consideration for 100% of the total number of shares of HCT common stock outstanding.

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        Conversion of Shares; Surrendering NHP Stock CertificatesHCT Shares

                The conversion of NHPHCT common stock into the right to receive the merger consideration will occur automatically at the effective time of the merger. In accordance with the merger agreement, Ventas will appoint an exchange agent to handle the payment and delivery of the merger consideration the stock award payments, anyand cash payments in relation to NHP's equity awards, and the cash payments to be delivered in lieu of fractional shares. On or before the effective time of the merger, Ventas will deliverUpon proper surrender to the exchange agent certificates representingof a share of HCT common stock for exchange and cancellation, together with a properly completed and signed letter of transmittal (in the case of certificated shares of HCT common stock), the holder of such share will be entitled to receive the merger consideration in respect of such share of HCT common stock.


        Elections as to Form of Consideration; Form of Election

                A form of election, which will be mailed to each holder of record of HCT common stock as of [                        ], 2014, as well as to stockholders of record who purchase shares of HCT common stock subsequent to such date and prior to the election deadline, if any, will allow record holders of HCT common stock to make a cash or stock election in respect of each share of HCT common stock that they hold. HCT stockholders should return their properly completed and signed form of election in accordance with the instructions provided prior to the election deadline.

                Unless otherwise agreed by HCT and Ventas and publicly announced, the election deadline will be 5:00 p.m., local time (in the city in which the exchange agent is located) on the later of (i) the date immediately prior to the HCT special meeting and (ii) the date that Ventas and HCT agree is two business days prior to the expected closing date. HCT and Ventas will publicly announce the anticipated election deadline at least five but not more than 15 business days prior to the election deadline.

                HCT stockholders who wish to elect the type of merger consideration they will receive in the merger should carefully review and follow the instructions set forth in the form of election. If it is determined that any purported cash election or stock election was not properly made, the purported election will be deemed to be of no force or effect and the holder making the purported election will be deemed not to have made an election for these purposes, unless a proper election is subsequently made on a timely basis. If an HCT stockholder does not make a valid election for cash or stock, the merger consideration paid to such stockholder will be in the form of Ventas common stock sufficient to pay the merger consideration and the stock award payments and cash sufficient to pay any cash payments in respectstock.

                To make a valid election, each HCT stockholder must submit a properly completed form of equity awards and the cash to be delivered in lieu of fractional shares. As promptly as practicable after the effective time, but in no event later than two business days thereafter, the surviving entity will causeelection so that it is actually received by the exchange agent on or prior to send (a) to each record holderthe election deadline in accordance with the instructions on the form of NHPelection. The form of election must be accompanied by certificates representing such stockholder's shares of HCT common stock, if any, and any additional documents specified in the form of election. Generally, an election may be revoked or changed by written notice received by the exchange agent prior to the election deadline accompanied by a properly completed and signed revised form of election or the withdrawal prior to the election deadline of the documents previously provided to the exchange agent. HCT stockholders will not be entitled to make, revoke or change any election following the election deadline. After an election is validly made with respect to any shares of HCT common stock, any subsequent transfer of such shares will automatically revoke the election.


        Letter of Transmittal

                Promptly after the completion of the merger, the exchange agent will send a letter of transmittal to those persons who were HCT stockholders of record at the effective time of the merger a letterand hold certificated shares of transmittal andHCT common stock, if any. This mailing will contain instructions explainingon how to effect the surrender NHPof shares of HCT common stock certificatesnot previously surrendered prior to the election deadline in exchange agent, (b) to eachfor the consideration that the holder of an NHP stock option, a certificate representing an optionsuch shares is entitled to acquire shares of Ventas common stock or a check or direct deposit due and payable in respect of such option, (c) to each holder of an NHP restricted stock unit, a certificate representing a rollover restricted stock unit or a check or direct deposit due and payable in respect of such restricted stock unit, (d) to each holderreceive under the merger agreement. Upon proper surrender of a share of NHP restricted stock, a certificate representing shares of Ventas common stock duefor exchange and payable in respect of such shares of NHP common stock, (e)cancellation to each holder of an NHP performance share, a certificate representing shares of Ventas common stock due and payable in respect of such NHP performance shares, and (f) to each holder of an NHP dividend equivalent right, the payments due in respect of such dividend equivalent rights.

                Each NHP stockholder that surrenders its stock certificate to the exchange agent together with a duly completed letter of transmittal, and each NHP stockholder that holds book-entry shares of NHP


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        common stock,exchange agent, together with a properly completed and signed letter of transmittal, and delivery of any other documents specified in the letter of transmittal, the holder of such share will receive the merger consideration due toelected by such HCT stockholder, (including cash in lieu of any fractional shares). After the effective time of the merger, each certificate that previously represented shares of NHP common stock will only represent the right to receive the merger consideration into which those shares of NHP common stock have been converted.

          Treatment of NHP Stock Options and Other Equity Awards

                Each outstanding NHP stock option will become fully vested and exercisable as of the closing of the merger and will, in the sole discretion of Ventas, be treated in either of the following ways: (a) exchanged for a cash payment equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the product of (x) the exchange ratio and (y) the volume weighted average price of Ventas common stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the closing date, over (2) the exercise price of the stock option; or (b) assumed by Ventas, on the same terms and conditions after taking into account the acceleration of vesting and exercisability and subject to proration adjustment for the exchange ratio, provided that stock options granted to Mr. Pasquale and certain other senior executives in February 2011 will not accelerate and will be assumed by Ventas and remain outstanding in accordance with their terms (as adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio).merger agreement.


        Treatment of HCT Restricted Shares

                Each outstanding NHP restricted stock unit will vest in full and be converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the product of (a) the exchange ratio per share of NHPHCT common stock subject to such restricted stock unit and (b) the volume weighted average price of Ventas common stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the closing date, provided that (i) restricted stock units granted to Mr. Pasquale and certain other senior executives in February 2011 will not accelerate and will be assumed by Ventas and remain outstanding in accordance with their terms and (ii) restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Khoury and Bradley on April 23, 2007 will vest and be settled in accordance with their terms (as adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio).

                Each outstanding share of NHP restricted stock will fully vest and will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Ventas common stock based on the exchange ratio.

                Each NHP performance share will fully vest under the award agreements in respect of the shortened performance period ending as of the closing of the merger, and the shares earned in respect of such accelerated vesting will be converted into Ventas common stock, based on the exchange ratio.

                Any dividend equivalent right granted in connection with another award pursuant to an NHP compensation plan whichHCT's equity plans that is outstanding will become fully vested immediately prior to the effective time will, effective immediately prior to the effective time, vest in full, and the restrictions with respect thereto will lapse. Each such restricted share will be deemed an issued and outstanding share of HCT common stock as of immediately prior to the effective time and will be entitled to receive the merger consideration determined in accordance with the merger agreement and otherwise subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including the election and all NHP dividend equivalent rights will be paid in accordance with their terms.proration provisions.


          Withholding

                All payments under the merger agreement are subject to applicable withholding requirements.


        Representations and Warranties

                The merger agreement contains a number of representations and warranties made by NHP,HCT and HCT OP, on the one hand, and Ventas, Merger Sub and Needles Acquisition LLC,OP Merger Sub, on the other hand. The representations and warranties were made by the parties as of the date of the merger agreement and do not survive the effective time of the merger. Certain of these representations and warranties are subject to specified exceptions and qualifications contained in the merger agreement, as well as information contained in the documents that each of Ventas and HCT filed with the SEC on or after January 1, 2013 and prior to the effective date of the merger agreement and information contained in the confidential disclosure letters delivered in connection therewith. See "The Merger Agreement—Explanatory Note Regardingwith the Merger Agreement and the Summary of the Merger Agreement: Representations, Warranties and Covenants in the Merger Agreement Are Not Intended to Function as Public Disclosures" beginning on page 76.merger agreement.


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          Representations and Warranties of NHPHCT and HCT OP

                NHPHCT and HCT OP made representations and warranties in the merger agreement relating to, among other things:

          corporate organization, valid existence, good standing, and qualification to conduct business;business and subsidiaries;

          organizational documents;

          capitalization;

          due authorization, execution, delivery and validity of the merger agreement;

          absence of any conflict with or violation of organizational documents or applicable laws, and the absence of any violation or breach of, or default or consent requirements under, certain agreements;

          permits and compliance with law;

          SEC filings, financial statements, and internal accounting controls;

          disclosure documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the merger;

          absence of certain changes since September 30, 2010;December 31, 2013;

          employee benefit plans;

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          labor and other employment-related matters;absence of employees;

          material contracts;

          litigation;

          environmental matters;

          intellectual property;

          real property and leases;

          tax matters, including qualification as a REIT;

          insurance;

          receipt of the opinion of J.P. Morgan;Citi;

          exemption of the merger from takeover or anti-takeover statutes;

          required stockholder vote required in connection with the merger;vote;

          broker's, finder's and investment banker's fees;

          inapplicability of the Investment Company Act of 1940;

          affiliate transactions;

          agreements between HCT OP and its advisor and certain affiliates, and compensation and distributions payable to the advisor and such affiliates; and

          affiliate transactions.fees and expenses payable in connection with the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.


          Representations and Warranties of Ventas, Merger Sub and Needles Acquisition LLCOP Merger Sub

                Ventas, Merger Sub and Needles Acquisition LLCOP Merger Sub made representations and warranties in the merger agreement relating to, among other things:

          corporate organization, valid existence, good standing, and qualification to conduct business;business and subsidiaries;

          organizational documents;

          capitalization;


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          due authorization, execution, delivery and validity of the merger agreement;

          absence of any conflict with or violation of organizational documents or applicable laws, and the absence of any violation or breach of, or default or consent requirements under, certain agreements;

          permits and compliance with law;

          SEC filings, financial statements, and internal accounting controls;

          disclosure documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the merger;

          absence of certain changes since December 31, 2010;

          certain ERISA matters;

          absence of labor disputes;

          material contracts;2013;

          litigation;

          environmental matters;

          intellectual property;

          real property and leases;

          tax matters, including qualification as a REIT;

          insurance;

          absence of any stockholder vote required;required in connection with the merger;

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          broker's, finder's and investment banker's fees;

          inapplicability of the Investment Company Act of 1940;

          funds sufficient to consummate the transactions contemplated byfinancing for amounts payable under the merger agreement;agreement, including the cash consideration;

          ownership and prior activities of Needles Acquisition LLC;Merger Sub;

          ownershipinapplicability of NHP common stock;"interested stockholder" provisions under Maryland takeover statutes; and

          affiliate transactions.material contracts.


        Definition of "Material Adverse Effect"

                Many of the representations of NHP,HCT, HCT OP, Ventas, Merger Sub and Needles Acquisition LLCOP Merger Sub are qualified by a "material adverse effect" standard (that is, they will not be deemed to be untrue or incorrect unless their failure to be true or correct, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect).standard. For the purposes of the merger agreement, "material adverse effect" means any event, circumstance, change or effect (a)(i) that is material and adverse to the business, assets, properties, liabilities, financial condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of NHPHCT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or Ventas and its subsidiaries, (including Needles Acquisition LLC), taken as a whole, as the case may be, or (b)(ii) that will, or would reasonably be expected to, prevent or materially impair the ability of NHP,HCT, Ventas or Needles Acquisition LLCMerger Sub, as the case may be, to consummate the merger before October 31, 2011.the outside date. However, anyfor purposes of clause (i), a material adverse effect will not include an event, circumstance, change or effect


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        will not be considered a material adverse effect to the extent arising out of or resulting from the following:

          any failure of NHPHCT or Ventas, as applicable, to meet any projections or forecasts or any decrease in the net asset value of HCT common stock or the market price of NHP's or Ventas'sVentas common stock, as applicable (it being understood that(except any event, circumstance, change or effect giving rise to such failure or decrease will beis taken into account in determining ifwhether there has been a material adverse effect has occurred)effect);

          any events, circumstances, changes or effects that affect the healthcare REIT industryindustries in which HCT and its subsidiaries, or Ventas and its subsidiaries, as applicable, operate generally;

          any changes in the United States or global economy or capital, financial or securities markets generally, including changes in interest or exchange rates;

          any changes in the legal or regulatory conditions in the geographic regions in which NHP and its subsidiaries, or Ventas and its subsidiaries, as applicable, operate, own or lease properties;conditions;

          the commencement, escalation or worsening of a war or armed hostilities or the occurrence of acts of terrorism or sabotage;

          the negotiation, execution or announcement of the merger agreement, or the consummation or anticipation of the mergermergers or other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the impact of the foregoing on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with tenants, suppliers, lenders, investors, future partners, or employees;agreement;

          the taking of any action expressly required by, or the failure to take any action expressly prohibited by, the merger agreement, or the taking of any action at the written request or with the prior written consent of an executive officer of Ventas or NHP, as applicable;the other party;

          earthquakes, hurricanes, floods or other natural disasters;

          any damage or destruction of any property that is substantially covered by insurance; or

          changes in law or GAAP;

        except to the extent,which, (i) in the case of the second, third, fourth, fifth and tenth bullet points above, that such changes do not disproportionately affect NHPHCT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or Ventas and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as applicable, relative to other similarly situated participants in the healthcare REIT industryindustries in the United Stateswhich HCT and its subsidiaries, or Ventas and its subsidiaries, as applicable, operate generally, and (ii) in the case of the fourth and eighth bullet pointspoint above, that such changes do not disproportionately affect NHPHCT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or Ventas and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as applicable, relative to


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        other participants in the healthcare REIT industryindustries in which HCT and its subsidiaries, or Ventas and its subsidiaries, as applicable, operate, in the geographic regions in which NHPHCT and its subsidiaries, or Ventas and its subsidiaries, as applicable, operate, own or lease properties.

        Covenants and Agreements

          Conduct of Business of NHP Pending the Merger

                NHP has agreed to certain restrictions on it and its subsidiaries until the earlier of the effective time of the merger or the valid termination of the merger agreement. In general, except with Ventas's prior written approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) or as otherwise expressly required or permitted by the merger agreement or required by law, NHP has agreed that, it will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, conduct its business in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice in all material respects, and use its reasonable best efforts to maintain its material assets and properties in their current condition (normal wear and tear and damage caused by casualty or by reasons outside of NHP's or its subsidiaries' control excepted), preserve intact in all material respects its current business organization, goodwill, ongoing businesses and relationships with third parties, keep available the services of its present officers and key employees and maintain the status of NHP as a


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        REIT. Without limiting the foregoing, NHP has also agreed that, except with Ventas's prior written approval (not to be unreasonably withheld), to the extent required by law, or as otherwise expressly required or permitted by the merger agreement, it will not, and it will not cause or permit any of its subsidiaries to:

          amend or propose to amend its organizational documents;


          split, combine, reclassify or subdivide any shares of stock or other equity securities or ownership interests of NHP or any of its subsidiaries;

          declare, set aside or pay any dividend on or make other distributions with respect to the capital stock of NHP or any of its subsidiaries or other equity securities or ownership interests in NHP or any of its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, including the right of NHP to declare and pay regular quarterly dividends at a rate not to exceed $0.48 per share and the dividend described below under "—Dividends";

          redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of its capital stock or other equity interests of NHP or any of its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions;

          issue, sell, pledge, dispose, encumber or grant any shares of NHP's or any of its subsidiaries' capital stock, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of NHP's or any of its subsidiaries' capital stock or other equity interests, subject to certain exceptions;

          grant, confer, award, except as may be specifically required under an employment agreement executed prior to the date of the merger agreement or an NHP benefit plan, or modify the terms of any options, convertible securities, restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance shares, equity-based compensation or other rights to acquire, or denominated in, any of NHP's or any of its subsidiaries' capital stock or take any action not otherwise contemplated by the merger agreement to cause to be exercisable any otherwise unexercisable option under any existing stock plan, subject to certain exceptions;

          acquire or agree to acquire any real property, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division or material amount of assets thereof, subject to certain exceptions;

          sell, pledge, lease, dispose of or encumber any property or assets, subject to certain exceptions;

          incur, create or assume any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue or amend the terms of any debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible for the indebtedness of any other person or entity, subject to certain exceptions;

          make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any person or entity, or make any change in its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of any person or entity, subject to certain exceptions;

          enter into, renew, modify, amend or terminate, or waive, release, compromise or assign any rights or claims under, any material contract or lease, subject to certain exceptions;

          waive, release, assign any material rights or claims or make any payment, direct or indirect, of any other liability of NHP or any of its subsidiaries, in an amount in excess of $5,000,000, before it comes due in accordance with its terms, other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

          settle or compromise any legal action, suit or proceeding made or pending against NHP or any of its subsidiaries or involving any present, former or purported holder or group of holders of NHP common stock, subject to certain exceptions;

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            except as may be required by an existing employment agreement or benefit plan or as required by law, (a) hire or terminate any officer or director of NHP or any of its subsidiaries or promote or appoint any person to a position of officer or director, (b) increase the compensation, perquisites or other benefits payable or to become payable to any current or former employees, directors or officers, (c) grant any severance or termination pay to, or enter into any severance agreement with, any employee, director or officer, (d) enter into any employment agreement, change of control, severance or retention agreement with any current or former employee, officer or director, (e) accelerate the vesting or payment of compensation payable or benefits provided to or to become payable to any current or former employees, directors or officers, or (f) establish, adopt, enter into or amend any benefit plan, employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement, plan, trust, fund, policy or arrangement with, or for the benefit of, any current or former directors, officers or employees or any of their beneficiaries;

            make any material change to its methods of accounting in effect at September 30, 2010, except as required by a change in GAAP (or any interpretation thereof) or in applicable law;

            enter into any new line of business material to NHP and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

            fail to duly and timely file all material reports and other material documents required to be filed with all governmental and other authorities (including the NYSE);

            make, change or rescind any election relating to taxes, change a material method of tax accounting, amend any material tax return, settle or compromise any material federal, state, local or foreign income tax liability, audit, claim or assessment, enter into any material closing agreement related to taxes, or knowingly surrender any right to claim any material taxes, subject to certain exceptions;

            take any action that could, or fail to take any action, the failure of which could, reasonably be expected to cause NHP to fail to qualify as a REIT or any NHP subsidiary to cease to be treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes or as a qualified REIT subsidiary, a taxable REIT subsidiary or a REIT;

            take any action that could, or fail to take any action, the failure of which could, reasonably be expected to prevent the merger from qualifying as a reorganization under the Code;

            adopt a plan of merger, complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for or authorizing such merger, liquidation or a dissolution, consolidation, recapitalization or bankruptcy organization, subject to certain exceptions;

            permit any material insurance policy to terminate or lapse without replacing such policy with comparable coverage or amend or cancel any material insurance policy;

            initiate or consent to any material zoning reclassification of any real property or any other material change to any approved site plan, special use permit, planned development approval or other land use entitlement affecting any NHP property;

            take, or agree to commit to take, any action that would reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions to the merger not being satisfied; or

            authorize, or enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing.

            Conduct of Business of Ventas Pending the Merger

                  Ventas has agreed to certain restrictions on it and its subsidiaries until the earlier of the effective time of the merger or the valid termination of the merger agreement. In general, except with NHP's prior written approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) or as otherwise expressly required or


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          permitted by the merger agreement or required by law, Ventas has agreed that, it will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, conduct its business in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice in all material respects, and use its reasonable best efforts to maintain its material assets and properties in their current condition (normal wear and tear and damage caused by casualty or by reasons outside of Ventas's or its subsidiaries' control excepted), preserve intact in all material respects its current business organization, goodwill, ongoing businesses and relationships with third parties, keep available the services of its present officers and key employees and maintain the status of Ventas as a REIT. Without limiting the foregoing, Ventas has also agreed that, except with NHP's prior written approval (not to be unreasonably withheld), to the extent required by law, or as otherwise expressly required or permitted by the merger agreement, it will not, and it will not cause or permit any of its subsidiaries to:

            amend or propose to amend its organizational documents, except for the proposed amendment to Ventas's charter described under "Ventas Proposals—Proposal 2: Approval of the Ventas Charter Amendment" beginning on page 32;

            split, combine, reclassify or subdivide any shares of stock or other equity securities or ownership interests of Ventas, Needles Acquisition LLC or any of Ventas's other subsidiaries;

            declare, set aside or pay any dividend on or make any other distributions with respect to shares of capital stock of Ventas or other equity securities or ownership interests in Ventas, subject to certain exceptions, including the right of Ventas to declare and pay regular quarterly dividends at a rate not to exceed $0.575 per share and the dividend described below under "—Dividends";

            issue, sell, pledge, dispose, encumber or grant any shares of Ventas's or its subsidiaries' capital stock, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of Ventas's or any of its subsidiaries' capital stock or other equity interests, other than in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice and subject to certain other exceptions;

            grant, confer or award, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and as may be required under agreements or benefit plans in effect on the date of the merger agreement, options, convertible securities, restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance shares, equity-based compensation or other rights to acquire, or denominated in, any of Ventas's or any of its subsidiaries' capital stock or take any action not otherwise contemplated by the merger agreement to cause to be exercisable any otherwise unexercisable option under any existing plan of Ventas or any of its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions;

            acquire or agree to acquire any real property, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division or material amount of assets thereof that would, or would reasonably be expected to, prevent or materially impair the ability of Ventas or Needles Acquisition LLC to consummate the merger before October 31, 2011;

            adopt a plan of merger, complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for or authorizing such merger, liquidation or a dissolution, consolidation, recapitalization or bankruptcy reorganization, subject to certain exceptions;

            fail to duly and timely file all material reports and other material documents required to be filed with all governmental or other authorities (including the NYSE);

            take any action that could, or fail to take any action, the failure of which could, reasonably be expected to cause Ventas to fail to qualify as a REIT or any Ventas subsidiary to cease to be treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes or as a qualified REIT subsidiary, a taxable REIT subsidiary or a REIT;

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            take any action that could, or fail to take any action, the failure of which could, reasonably be expected to prevent the merger from qualifying as a reorganization under the Code;

            take, or agree to commit to take, any action that would reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions to the merger not being satisfied; or

            authorize, or enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing.

            No Solicitation of Transactions by NHP

                  NHP will not and it will cause its subsidiaries and its and their officers and directors, managers or the equivalent not to, and it will use its reasonable best efforts to cause any other representatives of NHP or any of its subsidiaries not to directly or indirectly (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiry, discussion, offer or request that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an NHP Acquisition Proposal (except for purposes of this paragraph, references in such definition to "20%" are replaced by "5%"), (ii) engage in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any third party any non-public information in connection with, or otherwise cooperate in any way with, or knowingly facilitate in any way any effort by, any third party in connection with any NHP Acquisition Proposal or inquiry, (iii) approve or recommend an NHP Acquisition Proposal, or enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, share purchase agreement, asset purchase agreement, share exchange agreement, option agreement or any other similar agreement (other than a customary confidentiality agreement containing terms no less favorable to NHP than the terms of NHP's confidentiality agreement with Ventas entered into in accordance with the limitations described below) providing for or relating to an NHP Acquisition Proposal, or (iv) propose or agree to do any of the foregoing.

                  For the purposes of the merger agreement, "NHP Acquisition Proposal" means, subject to certain exceptions, any proposal or offer for (or expression by a third party that it is considering or may engage in), whether in one transaction or a series of related transactions, (i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving NHP or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, license, transfer or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by merger, consolidation, sale of equity interests, share exchange, joint venture, business combination or otherwise, of any assets of NHP or any of its subsidiaries representing 20% or more of the consolidated assets of NHP and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole as determined on a book-value basis, (iii) any issue, sale or other disposition of (including by way of merger, consolidation, joint venture, business combination, share exchange or any similar transaction) securities (or options, rights or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into, such securities) representing 20% or more of the voting power of NHP, (iv) any tender offer or exchange offer in which any person or "group" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) seeks to acquire beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), or the right to acquire beneficial ownership, of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of NHP, (v) any recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation, dissolution or other similar type of transaction with respect to NHP in which a third party acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of NHP, or (vi) any transaction similar in form, substance or purpose to any of the foregoing.

                  Notwithstanding the restrictions set forth above, the merger agreement provides that, at any time prior to the approval of the merger by NHP stockholders, NHP may, in response to an unsolicited bona fide written NHP Acquisition Proposal from a third party made after February 27, 2011 that did not result from a breach of the merger agreement, (i) furnish non-public information to such third party pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement containing terms no less favorable to NHP


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          than the terms of NHP's confidentiality agreement with Ventas (provided that all such information is simultaneously provided or made available to Ventas if it has not been provided or made available previously) and (ii) engage in discussions or negotiations with such third party and its representatives if the NHP board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, that the NHP Acquisition Proposal constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, a superior proposal (as defined below) and the NHP board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law.

                  NHP must notify Ventas promptly (but in no event later than 24 hours) after receipt of any NHP Acquisition Proposal or any request for nonpublic information relating to NHP or any of its subsidiaries by any third party, or any inquiry from any person or entity seeking to have discussions or negotiations with NHP relating to a possible NHP Acquisition Proposal. NHP must also promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, notify Ventas if it enters into discussions or negotiations concerning any NHP Acquisition Proposal or provides nonpublic information or data to any person and keep Ventas informed of the status and terms of any proposals, offers, discussions or negotiations on a current basis, including by providing a copy of all related material documentation or correspondence.

                  Except as described below, the NHP board of directors may not (i) withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify (or publicly propose to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify), in a manner adverse to Ventas or Needles Acquisition LLC, the NHP board's recommendation to NHP stockholders that they adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) approve, adopt or recommend (or publicly propose to approve, adopt or recommend) any NHP Acquisition Proposal, (iii) fail to include the NHP board's recommendation in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, (iv) fail to publicly recommend against any NHP Acquisition Proposal within 10 business days of the request of Ventas and to reaffirm the NHP board's recommendation within 10 business days, or (v) approve, adopt, declare advisable or recommend, or cause or permit NHP to enter into, an alternative acquisition agreement (other than a customary confidentiality agreement containing terms no less favorable to NHP than the terms of NHP's confidentiality agreement with Ventas entered into in accordance with the limitations described above). In this joint proxy statement/prospectus, we refer to (i) through (iv) above as an "adverse recommendation change." Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining the approval of NHP's stockholders, the NHP board of directors may effect an adverse recommendation change if it (A) has received an NHP Acquisition Proposal that, in the good faith determination of the NHP board of directors, after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, constitutes a superior proposal (subject to the matching right described below), and (B) determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law.

                  For the purposes of the merger agreement, "superior proposal" means any bona fide written NHP Acquisition Proposal (except that, for purposes of this definition, the references in the definition of "NHP Acquisition Proposal" to "20%" are replaced by "50%") made by a third party on terms that the NHP board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with NHP's financial and legal advisors, taking into account all financial, legal, regulatory and any other aspects of the transaction described in such proposal, including the identity of the person or entity making the proposal, as well as any changes to the financial terms of the merger agreement proposed by Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC in response to such proposal or otherwise, to be more favorable to NHP and its stockholders (solely in their capacity as stockholders) from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

                  The NHP board of directors is not entitled to effect an adverse recommendation change unless (i) NHP has provided a written notice to Ventas that NHP intends to take such action and describing the material terms and conditions of (and attaching a complete copy of) the superior proposal that is


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          the basis of such action, (ii) during the following three business days, NHP negotiates with Ventas in good faith (if desired by Ventas) to adjust the terms of the merger agreement so that the superior proposal giving rise to the notice is no longer a superior proposal and (iii) the NHP board of directors has subsequently determined in good faith, after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, that the superior proposal giving rise to the notice continues to constitute a superior proposal. Upon any material amendment to the superior proposal giving rise to the notice, NHP is required to deliver a new notice and commence a new negotiation period of two business days.

                  The merger agreement required NHP to immediately cease any existing discussions, negotiations or communications conducted before the execution of the merger agreement with respect to any NHP Acquisition Proposal and requires NHP to enforce any confidentiality or standstill provisions or provisions of similar effect that NHP may have against third parties. NHP must also use all reasonable efforts to cause third parties who were furnished confidential information regarding NHP in connection with the solicitation of or discussions regarding an NHP Acquisition Proposal within the six months prior to the execution of the merger agreement to promptly return or destroy such information.

            Form S-4, Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Stockholders Meetings

                  NHP and Ventas agreed to prepare and cause to be filed with the SEC the joint proxy statement included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and NHP and Ventas agreed to prepare, and Ventas to file, a registration statement on Form S-4 with respect to the merger, which includes this joint proxy statement/prospectus, in each case as promptly as reasonably practicable. NHP and Ventas also agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to have the Form S-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after filing and to keep the Form S-4 effective for so long as necessary to complete the merger.

                  NHP and Ventas each agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to cause this joint proxy statement/prospectus to be mailed to their stockholders and to hold their respective stockholder meetings as soon as reasonably practicable after the Form S-4 is declared effective. NHP further agreed to include in the joint proxy statement/prospectus its recommendation to its stockholders that they adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the its stockholder approval. Ventas also agreed to include its recommendation that the Ventas stockholders approve the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment and to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain such approvals.

                  NHP has agreed that, unless the merger agreement has been validly terminated, its obligation to hold the NHP stockholder meeting will not be affected by the commencement, public proposal, public disclosure or communication to NHP of any NHP Acquisition Proposal or by any adverse recommendation change.

            Dividends

                  NHP and Ventas have each agreed to declare a prorated dividend to their respective stockholders for the period between the record date of their last dividend and the closing, at the same rate as their respective dividends for the prior period. The record and payment date for the pro rata dividend will be the close of business on the last business day prior to the effective time of the merger.

            Ventas Board of Directors

                  Ventas has agreed to take all necessary action to increase the size of its board of directors as of the effective time of the merger to add Douglas M. Pasquale and two other members of the NHP board of directors who are acceptable to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Ventas's board of directors.


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            Efforts to Complete Transactions; Consents

                  Both Ventas and NHP have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to take all actions and do all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws or pursuant to any contract or agreement to consummate and make effective, as promptly as practicable, the merger, including obtaining all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents and approvals from governmental authorities or other persons or entities in connection with the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and defending any lawsuits or other legal proceedings challenging the merger agreement or the merger or other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

                  Ventas and NHP have agreed to provide any necessary notices to third parties and to use their reasonable best efforts to obtain any third-party consents that are necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the merger.

            Access to Information; Confidentiality

                  The merger agreement requires both NHP and Ventas to provide to the other, upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, reasonable access to its properties, offices, books, contracts, commitments, personnel and records, and each of NHP and Ventas are required to furnish reasonably promptly to the other a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed prior to closing pursuant to federal or state securities laws and all other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as the other party may reasonably request.

                  Further, Ventas has the right, at its own expense and subject to the terms of any NHP leases, to reasonable access during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice in order to prepare or cause to be prepared surveys, inspections, engineering studies, environmental assessments and other tests, examination or studies with respect to NHP's properties that Ventas deems reasonably necessary, so long as such access does not unduly interfere with NHP's ordinary conduct of business. Ventas has agreed to indemnify NHP for any losses, costs or damages caused by such access.

                  Each of NHP and Ventas has agreed to hold, and to cause its representatives and affiliates to hold, any non-public information in confidence to the extent required by the terms of its existing confidentiality agreements.

                  Each of NHP and Ventas has agreed to give prompt written notice to the other upon becoming aware of the occurrence or impending occurrence of any event or circumstance relating to it or to any of its subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect, or if unremedied by the effective time of the merger, would cause or constitute a material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants in the merger agreement, and to use its reasonable best efforts to prevent or promptly remedy the same.

            Notification of Certain Matters; Transaction Litigation

                  NHP and Ventas have agreed to provide prompt notice to the other of any notice received from any governmental authority in connection with the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, or from any person or entity alleging that its consent is or may be required in connection with any such transaction.

                  Each of NHP and Ventas has agreed to provide prompt notice to the other if any representation or warranty made by it in the merger agreement becomes untrue or inaccurate such that the applicable closing conditions would reasonably be expected to be incapable of being satisfied by October 31, 2011, or if it fails to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant, condition or agreement contained in the merger agreement.


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                  Each of NHP and Ventas has agreed to provide prompt notice to the other of any actions, suits, claims, investigations or proceedings commenced or threatened against, relating to or involving such party or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the merger agreement, the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Each has agreed to allow the other the opportunity to reasonably participate in the defense and settlement of any stockholder litigation and not to agree to a settlement of any stockholder litigation without the other's consent (not to be unreasonably withheld), unless the settlement involves only the payment of money and the amount of the settlement is fully covered by insurance proceeds.

            Employee Matters

                  For a period of one year following the merger, Ventas has agreed to provide, or cause to be provided, to NHP's employees (i) a salary at least equal to that in effect immediately prior to the merger, and (ii) employee benefits (other than any incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits and retiree medical benefits) that are, in the aggregate, no less favorable than the benefits provided to similarly situated employees of Ventas under its benefit plans.

                  Ventas has agreed to provide, or cause to be provided, to each employee of NHP who is a participant in a severance pay plan of NHP and whose employment is involuntarily terminated in a severance-qualifying manner during the one-year period following the merger with severance benefits that are no less favorable, in the aggregate, than the severance benefits that would have been provided to such employee immediately prior to the merger (provided that such severance benefits will not be provided to any NHP employee who is party to an employment agreement that otherwise provides for severance benefits).

                  Employee benefits accrued under NHP's benefits plans will carry over and be credited to employees under the employee benefits plans of Ventas. Following the completion of the merger, Ventas has agreed to recognize covered employees' service with NHP to the same extent recognized by NHP immediately prior to the completion of the merger for purposes of determining eligibility to participate, vesting, benefit accrual and determination of level of benefits under any Ventas benefit plans. NHP employees will be immediately eligible to participate in Ventas benefit plans to the extent such benefit plans replace coverage under comparable NHP benefit plans and for purposes of any Ventas benefit plan that provides medical, dental, pharmaceutical and/or vision benefits to a covered employee, Ventas has agreed to cause all pre-existing conditions exclusions and actively-at-work requirements to be waived to the same extent such conditions and requirements would have been waived under an analogous NHP benefit plan. Ventas has agreed to use reasonable efforts to take into account any expenses incurred by a covered employee during the portion of the plan year prior to the merger for the purposes of satisfying all deductible, co-insurance, co-payment and maximum out-of-pocket requirements under the Ventas benefit plans.

            Stock Exchange Listing

                  Ventas has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of its common stock to be issued in connection with the merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the effective time of the merger.

            Indemnification of Directors and Officers; Insurance

                  For a period of six years after the effective time of the merger, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Ventas and the surviving entity will indemnify NHP's officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law with respect to all acts or omissions by them in their capacities as such at any time prior to the effective time of the merger.


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                  Prior to the effective time of the merger, NHP has agreed to (or, if NHP is unable to, Ventas has agreed to cause the surviving entity in the merger to) obtain and pay for a non-cancelable extension of NHP's existing directors' and officers' insurance policies and NHP's existing fiduciary liability insurance policies covering at least six years after the merger with respect to any claim related to any period or time prior to the merger with terms and limits of liability that are no less favorable than the coverage provided under NHP's existing policies, as long as the annual premium does not exceed 110% of the annual premium under NHP's existing policies.

                  If NHP or the surviving entity does not obtain a "tail" policy as of the effective time of the merger, the surviving entity will maintain in effect, for a period of at least six years after the merger, NHP's existing policies in effect on February 27, 2011 on terms and limits of liability that are no less favorable than the coverage provided on that date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) neither Ventas nor the surviving entity will be required to pay annual premiums in excess of 300% of the current annual premium paid by NHP for such insurance, and (ii) if the annual premiums exceed 300%, Ventas or the surviving entity will be obligated to obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding 300% of the current annual premium.

            Public Announcements

                  Ventas, Needles Acquisition LLC and NHP have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to consult with, and receive consent (not to be unreasonably withheld) from, each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements or filings with respect to the merger agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

            Other Covenants and Agreements

                  The merger agreement contains certain other covenants and agreements, including covenants related to:

            each of Ventas and NHP using its reasonable best efforts to cause the merger to qualify as a reorganization under the Code;

            Ventas's taking all necessary steps to (a) cause Needles Acquisition LLC to perform its obligations under the merger agreement and to consummate the merger and (b) ensure that, prior to the effective time of the merger, Needles Acquisition LLC does not conduct any business or make any investments other than as contemplated by the merger agreement or incur or guarantee any indebtedness;

            each of NHP, Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC taking all necessary or appropriate steps to ensure that any disposition of NHP common stock and any acquisition of Ventas common stock in connection with the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by certain individuals are exempted pursuant to Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act from giving rise to any liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act; and

            Ventas and its subsidiaries voting all NHP common stock they beneficially own as of the record date of the NHP special meeting in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and NHP and its subsidiaries voting all Ventas common stock they beneficially own as of the record date of the Ventas special meeting in favor of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment.

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            Conditions to Completion of the Merger

              Mutual Closing Conditions

                    The obligation of each of NHP,HCT, HCT OP, Ventas, Merger Sub and Needles Acquisition LLCOP Merger Sub to complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the effective time of the merger, of the following conditions:

              adoptionapproval by HCT's stockholders of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by holders of not less than two-thirds of all outstanding shares of NHP common stock in accordance with applicable law, and approval of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock;merger;

              the absence of any law or order by any governmental authority prohibiting, making illegal, enjoining or otherwise restricting, preventing or prohibiting the consummation of the mergermergers or otherwise restraining, enjoining, preventing, prohibiting or making illegal the acquisition of some or allany of the shares of NHP common stocktransactions contemplated by Ventas;the merger agreement;

              effectiveness of the Form S-4 registration statement, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, having been declared effective and the absence of anyno stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Form S-4;S-4 having been issued and no proceedings for that purpose having been initiated or threatened by the SEC and not withdrawn; and

              authorization of the listing on the NYSE of the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in connection with the merger having been authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.


              Additional Closing Conditions for the Benefit of Ventas and Needles Acquisition LLC

                    The obligation of Ventas, Merger Sub and Needles Acquisition LLCOP Merger Sub to complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the effective time, of the following additional conditions:

              the accuracy in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger (or, in the case of representations and warranties that by their terms address matters onlyare made as of another specified date, as of that date) of certain representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by NHPHCT and HCT OP regarding NHP'sHCT's and HCT OP's organization and subsidiaries, certain aspects of itstheir capital structure, corporate authority relative to the merger agreement, the fairness opinion from J.P. Morgan,of Citi, applicability of takeover statutes, the votes required to approve the merger, the partnership merger and the Investment Company Act of 1940, brokers, and the required stockholder vote to adoptother transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, brokers, agreements with and approvecompensation payable to the Advisor and certain affiliates, and the fees and expenses payable in connection with the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

              the accuracy in all butde minimis respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger (or, in the case of representations and warranties that by their terms address matters onlyare made as of another specified date, as of that date) of representations and warranties by NHPHCT and HCT OP regarding certain aspects of its capital stock;their capitalization;

              the accuracy in all respects, to the reasonable satisfaction of Ventas, as of the effective time of the merger, of representations and warranties by HCT and HCT OP regarding certain tax matters;

              the accuracy of all other representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by NHPHCT and HCT OP (disregarding any materiality or material adverse effect qualifications contained in such representations and warranties) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger (or, in the case of representations and warranties that by their terms address matters onlyare made as of another specified date, as of that date), except for any such inaccuracies that do not have and

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                would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on NHP;

                HCT;

              HCT's and HCT OP's performance and compliance in all material respects by NHP with the agreements and covenants required to be performed or complied with by it atthem on or prior to the closing date;


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              receipt by Ventas of an officer's certificate, dated as of the closing date and signed by NHP'sHCT's chief executive officer or another senior officer on its behalf, certifying that the closing conditions described in the fourfive preceding bullets have been satisfied;

              absence of ano material adverse effect on NHPwith respect to HCT having occurred, or reasonably being expected to occur, since February 27, 2011;the date of the merger agreement;

              receipt by HCT of an opinion dated as of the closing date from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLPProskauer regarding NHP'sHCT's qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code; andCode, on which Ventas is entitled to rely;

              receipt by Ventas of an opinion dated as of the closing date from Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz regarding the merger's qualification as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.Code;

              receipt by Ventas and HCT of certain regulatory approvals, and all waiting periods in respect thereof having expired or been terminated; and

              the termination agreements (as defined below) remaining in full force and effect and no provision thereof having been amended, modified or waived.


            Additional Closing Conditions for NHP'sthe Benefit of HCT

                    The obligation of NHPHCT and HCT OP to complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the effective time, of the following additional conditions:

              the accuracy in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger (or, in the case of representations and warranties that by their terms address matters onlyare made as of another specified date, as of that date) of certain representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub regarding Ventas's, Merger Sub's and OP Merger Sub's organization and subsidiaries, certain aspects of itstheir capital structure, corporate authority relative to the merger agreement, the absence of any required vote of stockholders in connection with the merger, brokers, applicability of the Investment Company Act of 1940 brokers, and the required stockholder vote to approve the issuanceinapplicability of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment;"interested stockholder" provisions under Maryland takeover statutes;

              the accuracy in all but de minimis respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger (or, in the case of representations and warranties that by their terms address matters onlyare made as of another specified date, as of that date) of representations and warranties by Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub regarding certain aspects of itsVentas's capital stock;

              the accuracy of all other representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub (disregarding any materiality or material adverse effect qualifications contained in such representations and warranties) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger (or, in the case of representations and warranties that by their terms address matters onlyare made as of another specified date, as of that date), except for any such inaccuracies that do not have and would not constitute,reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on Ventas;

              Ventas's, Merger Sub's and OP Merger Sub's performance and compliance in all material respects by Ventas with the agreements and covenants required to be performed or complied with by it atthem on or prior to the closing date;

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              receipt by HCT of an officer's certificate dated as of the closing date and signed by Ventas's chief executive officer or other senior officer on its behalf, certifying that the closing conditions described in the four preceding bullets have been satisfied;

              absence of ano material adverse effect onwith respect to Ventas having occurred, or reasonably being expected to occur, since February 27, 2011;the date of the merger agreement;

              receipt by Ventas of an opinion dated as of the closing date from Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, or othernationally recognized tax counsel reasonably acceptable to NHP,HCT regarding Ventas's qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code;Code, on which HCT is entitled to rely; and

              receipt by HCT of an opinion dated as of the closing date from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLPProskauer regarding the merger's qualification as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.


            Covenants and Agreements

            Conduct of Business of HCT Pending the Merger

                    HCT and HCT OP have agreed to certain restrictions on themselves and their subsidiaries until the earlier of the effective time of the merger or the valid termination of the merger agreement. In general, except with Ventas's prior written approval (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) or as otherwise expressly required or permitted by the merger agreement or required by law, each of HCT and HCT OP has agreed that it will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, conduct its business in all material respects in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice, and use its reasonable best efforts to maintain its material assets and properties in their current condition (normal wear and tear and damage caused by casualty or by reasons outside of HCT's or its subsidiaries' control excepted), preserve intact in all material respects its current business organization, goodwill, ongoing businesses and relationships with third parties, keep available the services of its present officers, maintain its insurance policies and maintain the status of HCT as a REIT. HCT has also agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain legal opinions of Proskauer that are conditions to the obligations of Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub and HCT and HCT OP, as applicable, to complete the merger, to deliver an officer's certificate in connection with opinions of Proskauer and Wachtell Lipton on the effective date of the Form S-4 registration statement satisfying the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act and on the closing date of the merger, as applicable, and to deliver an officer's certificate that meets certain requirements in connection with the opinion of Proskauer regarding HCT's qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. Without limiting the foregoing, HCT has also agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, except with Ventas's prior written approval (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), to the extent required by law, or as otherwise expressly required or permitted by the merger agreement, it will not, and it will not cause or permit any of its subsidiaries to:

              amend or propose to amend its organizational documents or waive the stock ownership limit in its charter;

              split, combine, reclassify or subdivide any shares of stock or other equity securities or ownership interests of HCT or any of its subsidiaries;

              with limited exceptions, including the declaration and payment of monthly dividends in accordance with past practice at a rate not to exceed an annualized rate of $0.68 per share, declare, set aside or pay any dividend on or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock, property or otherwise) with respect to shares of capital stock of HCT or any of its subsidiaries or other equity securities or ownership interests in HCT or its subsidiaries;

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                redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of its capital stock or other equity interests of HCT or any of its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, including in connection with the withholding of shares of HCT common stock to satisfy withholding obligations with respect to awards granted pursuant to HCT's equity plans, including the vesting of restricted shares;

                with limited exceptions, issue, sell, pledge, dispose, encumber or grant any shares of HCT's or any of its subsidiaries' capital stock, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of HCT's or any of its subsidiaries' capital stock or other equity interests;

                with limited exceptions, grant, confer, award or modify the terms of any HCT restricted shares or HCT OP LTIP Units, convertible securities, or other rights to acquire, or denominated in, any of HCT's or any of its subsidiaries' capital stock or other equity securities, or amend HCT's equity plans;

                acquire or agree to acquire (including by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock or assets) any real property, personal property (other than personal property at a total cost of less than $500,000 in the aggregate), corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division or material amount of assets thereof, except from any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions with respect to acquisitions already under contract or subject to letters of intent;

                sell, pledge, lease, assign, transfer, dispose of or encumber, or effect a deed in lieu of foreclosure with respect to, any property or assets, except for involuntary liens arising by operation of law that would not be material to any of HCT's or its subsidiaries' properties or assets;

                incur, create, assume, refinance, replace, prepay, issue or amend the terms of any indebtedness for borrowed money or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) for the indebtedness of any other person (other than a wholly owned subsidiary), (i) except for indebtedness incurred under the HCT's existing revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.5 million for general corporate purposes and such additional amounts as may be necessary to consummate certain acquisitions already under contract or subject to letters of intent and the payment of permitted dividends and other distributions, and (ii) other than in connection with amendments of loans required to terminate certain existing indebtedness identified by Ventas (provided that such amendments are in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Ventas) or to assume indebtedness as a result of the consummation of certain acquisitions already under contract or subject to letters of intent;

                make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other person or entity (including to any of its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, agents or consultants), make any change in its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of such persons or entities, or enter into any "keep well" or similar agreement to maintain the financial condition of another entity, except by HCT or a wholly owned subsidiary to HCT or a wholly owned subsidiary and loans or advances required to be made to third parties with respect to HCT's leases;

                enter into, renew, modify, amend or terminate, or waive, release, compromise or assign any rights or claims under, any material contract, except any termination or renewal that occurs automatically under existing material contracts, the entry into any lender consents in connection with the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and as

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                  may be reasonably necessary to comply with the merger agreement, provided that the terms are reasonably acceptable to Ventas;

                enter into, renew, modify, amend or terminate, or waive, release, compromise or assign any rights or claims under, any property leases, except for (i) entering into or renewing any property lease in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice on market terms and where the aggregate annual payments under any such lease are less than $500,000, and (ii) terminating any property lease as a result of a default by the other party to such lease;

                waive, release, assign any material rights or claims or make any payment, direct or indirect, of any liability of HCT or any of its subsidiaries before the same comes due in accordance with its terms, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

                settle or compromise (i) any legal action, suit, investigation, arbitration or proceeding, in each case made or pending against HCT or any of its subsidiaries, other than settlements providing solely for the payment of money damages to the extent not exceeding, individually or in the aggregate, $100,000 that does not involve the imposition of injunctive or equitable relief against HCT or any of its subsidiaries or an admission of liability or wrongdoing, or (ii) any legal action, suit or proceeding involving any present, former or purported holder or group of holders of HCT common stock, except with respect to legal actions pertaining to disputes relating to the merger agreement;

                subject to limited exceptions, (i) hire, pay any compensation to or terminate (other than for cause) any officer, director (other than payments to directors consistent with past practice), consultant, advisor or employee of HCT or any of its subsidiaries or promote or appoint any person to a position of executive officer or director of HCT or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) increase, or accelerate the vesting or payment of, compensation or benefits of any of its directors, executive officers, consultants (including the Advisor) or employees, or (iii) enter into, amend or adopt any HCT benefit plan;

                fail to maintain all financial books and records in all material respects in accordance with GAAP (or any interpretation thereof) or make any material change to its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 2013, except as required by a change in GAAP (or any interpretation thereof) or in applicable law, or make any change with respect to accounting policies, unless required by GAAP or the SEC;

                enter into any new line of business;

                fail to duly and timely file all material reports and other material documents required to be filed with Nasdaq, the SEC, or any other governmental authority, subject to extensions permitted by law or applicable rules and regulations;

                subject to limited exceptions, take any action, or fail to take any action, which action or failure would reasonably be expected to cause (A) HCT to fail to qualify as a REIT or (B) any subsidiary of HCT (1) to cease to be treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for United States federal income tax purposes or a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary under the applicable provisions of Section 856 of the Code, as the case may be, or (2) that is not treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary as of the date of the merger agreement, to be so treated;

                adopt a plan of merger, complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for or authorizing such merger, liquidation or a dissolution, consolidation, recapitalization or bankruptcy reorganization, except with respect to certain acquisitions under contract or subject to letter of intent as of the date of the merger agreement in a manner that would not reasonably

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                  be expected to be adverse to HCT or to prevent or impair its ability to consummate the mergers;

                form any new funds, joint ventures, or non-traded REITs or other pooled investment vehicles;

                take any action to terminate or amend or waive any provision of any advisory or property management contracts, or dealer manager or soliciting dealer agreements or any similar agreements;

                amend or modify the compensation terms or other obligations of HCT contained in the engagement letter with any broker or financial advisor in a manner adverse to HCT, any HCT subsidiary or Ventas, or engage any other financial advisors in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

                subject to limited exceptions, make, change or rescind any tax election, change a material method of tax accounting, amend any material tax return, settle or compromise any material federal, state, local or foreign income tax liability, audit, claim or assessment, enter into any material closing agreement related to taxes, or surrender any right to claim a material refund of taxes; or

                authorize or enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing.


              Conduct of Business of Ventas Pending the Merger

                      Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub have agreed to certain restrictions on themselves and Ventas's subsidiaries until the earlier of the effective time of the merger or the valid termination of the merger agreement. Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub have agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the legal opinions of a nationally recognized tax counsel and Wachtell Lipton that are conditions to the obligations of HCT and HCT OP and Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub, respectively, to complete the merger and to deliver an officer's certificate in connection with opinions of Proskauer and Wachtell Lipton on the effective date of the Form S-4 registration statement satisfying the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act and on the closing date of the merger, as applicable, and to deliver an officer's certificate of Ventas in connection with the opinion of a nationally recognized tax counsel that is a condition to the obligations of HCT and HCT OP to complete the merger. Without limiting the foregoing, each of Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub has also agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, except with HCT's prior written approval (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), to the extent required by law, or as otherwise expressly required or permitted by the merger agreement, it will not, and it will not cause or permit any of its subsidiaries to:

                amend or propose to amend Ventas's organizational documents in a manner that would adversely affect the economic benefits of the mergers to the holders of HCT common stock;

                split, combine, reclassify or subdivide any shares of stock or other equity securities or ownership interests of Ventas, Merger Sub or OP Merger Sub;

                adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for or authorizing such liquidation or a dissolution, consolidation, recapitalization or bankruptcy reorganization;

                take any action, or fail to take any action, which action or failure would reasonably be expected to cause (A) Ventas to fail to qualify as a REIT or (B) any subsidiary of Ventas (1) to cease to be treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for United States federal income tax purposes or a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary under the applicable provisions of Section 856 of the Code, as the case may be, or (2) that is not treated as a taxable REIT

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                  subsidiary under the applicable provisions of Section 856 of the Code as of the date of the merger agreement, to be so treated; or

                authorize or enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing.


              No Solicitation of Transactions by HCT

                      HCT will not, and HCT will cause its subsidiaries not to, and will not authorize and will use reasonable best efforts to cause its and their officers and directors, managers or the equivalent, and any of their other representatives not to, directly or indirectly through another person, (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiry, discussion, offer or request that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an acquisition proposal, (ii) engage in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any third party any non-public information in connection with, or knowingly facilitate in any way any effort by, any third party in furtherance of any acquisition proposal or inquiry relating to an acquisition proposal, (iii) approve or recommend an acquisition proposal, or enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, share purchase agreement, asset purchase agreement, share exchange agreement, option agreement or any other similar agreement (other than a confidentiality agreement containing provisions as to the treatment of confidential information that are no less favorable in any material respect to HCT and its subsidiaries than the terms of the confidentiality agreement between HCT and Ventas entered into in accordance with the limitations described below) providing for or relating to an acquisition proposal, or (iv) propose or agree to do any of the foregoing.

                      For the purposes of the merger agreement, "acquisition proposal" means, subject to certain exceptions, any bona fide inquiry, proposal or offer made by any person or entity, whether in one transaction or a series of related transactions, relating to (i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving HCT or its subsidiaries, (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, license, transfer or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by merger, consolidation, sale of equity interests, share exchange, joint venture, business combination or otherwise, of any assets of HCT or its subsidiaries representing 15% or more of the consolidated assets of HCT or its subsidiaries taken as a whole as determined on a book-value basis, (iii) any issue, sale or other disposition of (including by way of merger, consolidation, joint venture, business combination, share exchange or any similar transaction) securities (or options, rights or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into, such securities) representing 15% or more of the voting power of HCT, (iv) any tender offer or exchange offer in which any person or "group" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) seeks to acquire beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), or the right to acquire beneficial ownership, of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of HCT, or (v) any recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation, dissolution or other similar type of transaction with respect to HCT in which a third party acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of HCT.

                      Notwithstanding the restrictions set forth above, the merger agreement provides that, at any time prior to the approval of the merger agreement and the merger by HCT stockholders, HCT may, directly or indirectly, in response to an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal from a third party made after the date of the merger agreement, (i) furnish non-public information to such third party pursuant to a confidentiality agreement containing provisions as to the treatment of confidential information that are no less favorable in any material respect to HCT and its subsidiaries than the terms of HCT's confidentiality agreement with Ventas (provided that such confidentiality agreement expressly permits HCT and its subsidiaries to comply with any provision of the merger agreement and does not contain any provision that adversely affects the rights of HCT or any of its subsidiaries under the merger agreement upon their compliance with any provision of the merger agreement and,


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              provided, further, that all such information is provided to Ventas prior to or substantially at the same time that such information is provided to such third party if it has not been provided previously) and (ii) engage in discussions or negotiations with such third party and its representatives if the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, that the acquisition proposal constitutes, or is reasonably likely to result in, a superior proposal (as defined below).

                      HCT must notify Ventas promptly (but in no event later than 24 hours) after receipt of any acquisition proposal or any request for non-public information relating to HCT or any of its subsidiaries by any third party, or any inquiry from any person or entity seeking to have discussions or negotiations with HCT relating to a possible acquisition proposal. HCT must also promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, notify Ventas if it enters into discussions or negotiations concerning any acquisition proposal or provides non-public information or data to any person and keep Ventas informed of the status and material terms of any such proposals, offers, discussions or negotiations on a current basis, including by providing a copy of all related material documentation or material correspondence.

                      Except as described below, neither the HCT Board nor any committee thereof may (i) withhold, withdraw, modify or qualify (or publicly propose to withhold, withdraw, modify or qualify), in a manner adverse to Ventas, Merger Sub or OP Merger Sub, the HCT Board's recommendation to HCT stockholders that they approve the merger agreement and the merger, (ii) approve, adopt or recommend (or publicly propose to approve, adopt or recommend) any acquisition proposal, (iii) fail to include the HCT Board's recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus or any Schedule 14D-9, as applicable, (iv) fail to publicly recommend against any acquisition proposal within five business days of the request of Ventas and/or to reaffirm the HCT Board's recommendation within five business days of the request of Ventas, or such fewer number of days as remains prior to the HCT special meeting (provided that Ventas is not permitted to make such a request on more than one occasion in respect of each acquisition proposal and on more than one occasion in respect of each material modification to an acquisition proposal), or (v) approve, adopt, declare advisable or recommend (or agree to, resolve or propose to approve, adopt, declare advisable or recommend) or cause or permit HCT or any of its subsidiaries to enter into, an alternative acquisition agreement (other than a confidentiality agreement entered into in accordance with the limitations described above). In this proxy statement/prospectus, we refer to clauses (i) through (iv) above as an "adverse recommendation change."

                      Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) at any time prior to obtaining the approval of HCT's stockholders, if the HCT Board (x) has received an unsolicited bona fide acquisition proposal that did not result from a breach of the provisions described above and that, in the good faith determination of the HCT Board, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, constitutes a superior proposal (after giving effect to any adjustments offered by Ventas in exercising its matching right described below), and such acquisition proposal is not withdrawn, and (y) determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law, then HCT may terminate the merger agreement in order to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to such superior proposal (provided that HCT pays to Ventas the break-up fee described below) or make an adverse recommendation change, including approving or recommending such superior proposal; or (B) in response to an intervening event, if the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law, HCT may make an adverse recommendation change.

                      For the purposes of the merger agreement, "superior proposal" means any bona fide written acquisition proposal (except that, for purposes of this definition, the references in the definition of "acquisition proposal" to "15%" are replaced by "50%") made by a third party on terms that the HCT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with HCT's outside legal counsel and financial


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              advisors, taking into account all financial, legal, regulatory and any other aspects of the transaction described in such proposal that the HCT Board deems relevant, including the identity of the person or entity making the proposal, any break-up fees, expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation, as well as any changes to the financial terms of the merger agreement proposed by Ventas in response to such proposal or otherwise, to be (i) more favorable to HCT and its stockholders (solely in their capacity as stockholders) from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (ii) reasonably likely to receive all required governmental approvals on a timely basis and otherwise reasonably capable of being completed on the terms proposed.

                      For purposes of the merger agreement, "intervening event" means any material event or development or material change in circumstances first occurring after the date of the merger agreement and prior to receipt of the HCT stockholder approval, to the extent that such event, development or change in circumstances was not reasonably foreseeable (or if foreseeable, the consequences of which were not reasonably foreseeable) as of or prior to the date of the merger agreement, excluding, however, (i) the receipt, existence or terms of an acquisition proposal or any matter relating thereto or consequence thereof or (ii) changes in the market price or trading volume of common stock of HCT or Ventas or the fact that HCT meets or exceeds (or that Ventas fails to meet or exceed) internal or published projections, forecasts or revenue or earnings predictions for any period, except that the underlying causes of such event will not be excluded.

                      The HCT Board is not entitled to effect an adverse recommendation change or terminate the merger agreement in order to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement in respect of a superior proposal unless, with respect to any superior proposal or intervening event, (i) HCT has provided a written notice to Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub that it intends to take such action, specifying in reasonable detail the reasons therefor and describing the material terms and conditions of (and attaching a complete copy of) the superior proposal that is the basis of such action, if applicable, (ii) during the following three business days, HCT negotiates with Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub in good faith (if desired by Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub) to adjust the terms of the merger agreement so that the adverse recommendation change or termination of the merger agreement is no longer necessary and (iii) the HCT Board has subsequently determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors that (a) in the case of an adverse recommendation change due to a superior proposal, the superior proposal giving rise to the notice continues to constitute a superior proposal, and (b) in the case of an adverse recommendation change due to a superior proposal or an intervening event, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors' duties under applicable law. Any material change to the terms of such superior proposal, including any change to the financial terms, and any material change to the facts and circumstances relating to an intervening event, will require a new notice and give rise to a new match right for Ventas.

                      The merger agreement does not prohibit HCT or the HCT Board, directly or indirectly through its representatives, from disclosing to HCT's stockholders a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a) or Rule 14d-9 promulgated under the Exchange Act or making any disclosure to its stockholders if the HCT Board has determined, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law (provided that any disclosure other than a "stop, look and listen" or similar communication of the type contemplated by Rule 14d-9(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, an express rejection of any applicable acquisition proposal or an express reaffirmation of the recommendation of the HCT Board to the HCT stockholders to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement and the merger will be deemed to be an adverse recommendation change).

                      The merger agreement required HCT to immediately cease any existing discussions, negotiations or communications conducted before the execution of the merger agreement with respect to any acquisition proposal and requires HCT and its subsidiaries to enforce any confidentiality or standstill


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              provisions or provisions of similar effect that they may have against third parties. HCT must also use all reasonable best efforts to cause third parties who were furnished confidential information regarding HCT and its subsidiaries in connection with the solicitation of or discussions regarding an acquisition proposal within the six months prior to the execution of the merger agreement to promptly return or destroy such information (to the extent they are entitled to have such information returned or destroyed).


              Form S-4, Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Stockholders Meetings

                      HCT and Ventas agreed to prepare and cause to be filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 with respect to the merger, which includes this proxy statement/prospectus, as promptly as reasonably practicable. HCT and Ventas also agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to (i) have the Form S-4 registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after filing, (ii) ensure that the Form S-4 registration statement complies in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and Securities Act, and (iii) keep the Form S-4 registration statement effective for so long as necessary to complete the merger.

                      HCT agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause this proxy statement/prospectus to be mailed to its stockholders entitled to vote at the HCT special meeting and to hold its special meeting as soon as practicable after the Form S-4 is declared effective. HCT further agreed to include in this proxy statement/prospectus its recommendation to its stockholders that they approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain its stockholder approval, unless the HCT Board makes an adverse recommendation change in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement described above.


              Efforts to Complete Transactions; Consents

                      Each of HCT, Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to take all actions and do all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws or pursuant to any contract or agreement to consummate and make effective, as promptly as practicable, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including obtaining all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents (including lender consents) and approvals from governmental authorities or other persons or entities in connection with the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, making all necessary government filings and submissions, executing and delivering all additional instruments necessary to consummate the mergers and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and defending any lawsuits or other legal proceedings challenging the merger agreement, the mergers or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

                      Each of HCT, Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub has agreed to provide any necessary notices to third parties and to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any third-party consents that are necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the mergers. Each of the parties to the merger agreement is required to furnish to the other such necessary information and reasonable assistance as the other may request in connection with the preparation of any required governmental filings or submissions and will cooperate in responding to any inquiry from a governmental authority, including promptly informing the other parties of such inquiry, consulting in advance before making any presentations or submissions to a governmental authority, and supplying each other with copies of all material correspondence, filings or communications between either party and any governmental authority with respect to the merger agreement. To the extent reasonably practicable, the parties or their representatives will have the right to review in advance and each of the parties will consult the others on, all the information relating to the other and each of their affiliates that appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any governmental authority in connection with the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, except that confidential,


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              competitively sensitive business information may be redacted from such exchanges. To the extent reasonably practicable, none of the parties to the merger agreement will, nor will they permit their respective representatives to, participate independently in any meeting or engage in any substantive conversation with any governmental authority in respect of any filing, investigation or other inquiry without giving the other party prior notice of such meeting or conversation and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, without giving the other parties the opportunity to attend or participate (whether by telephone or in person) in any such meeting with such governmental authority.

                      Ventas agreed to provide assistance, furnish information to and otherwise cooperate with HCT as HCT reasonably requests in connection with any actions contemplated to be taken by HCT to obtain lender consents, including by agreeing to provide, from and after the closing, customary non-recourse carve-out, or "bad boy," guarantees, unless Ventas elects to exclude such lender consents from the applicable provisions of the merger agreement that relate to lender consents.


              Access to Information; Confidentiality

                      The merger agreement requires HCT to provide, with limited exceptions, to Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub and their representatives, upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, reasonable access to HCT's properties, offices, books, contracts, commitments, personnel and records, and HCT is required to furnish reasonably promptly to Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub and their representatives a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed prior to closing pursuant to federal or state securities laws and all other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as they may reasonably request, as well as certain additional access reasonably requested to confirm the accuracy of certain representations and warranties of HCT.

                      Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub have agreed to hold, and to cause its representatives and affiliates to hold, any non-public information in confidence to the extent required by the terms of its existing confidentiality agreement.


              Notification of Certain Matters; Transaction Litigation

                      HCT, on the one hand, and Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub, on the other hand, have agreed to provide prompt notice to the other of any notice received from any governmental authority in connection with the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the mergers, or from any person or entity alleging that its consent is or may be required in connection with any such transaction.

                      HCT, on the one hand, and Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub, on the other hand, have agreed to provide prompt notice to the other if any representation or warranty made by it in the merger agreement becomes untrue or inaccurate such that the applicable closing conditions would reasonably be expected to be incapable of being satisfied by the outside date, if it fails to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant, condition or agreement contained in the merger agreement or, if, to its knowledge, the occurrence of any state of facts, change, development, event or condition would cause, or reasonably be expected to cause, any of the conditions to closing not to be satisfied or satisfaction to be materially delayed.

                      Each party has agreed to give prompt written notice to the others upon becoming aware of the occurrence or impending occurrence of any event or circumstance relating to it or to any of its subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on HCT or Ventas, as applicable.

                      HCT, on the one hand, and Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub, on the other hand, have agreed (i) to provide prompt notice to the other of any actions, suits, claims, investigations or


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              proceedings commenced or threatened against, relating to or involving such party or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the merger agreement, the mergers or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and (ii) to allow the other the opportunity to reasonably participate in the defense and settlement of any stockholder litigation and not to agree to a settlement of any stockholder litigation without the other's consent (not to be unreasonably withheld).


              Termination of Advisory and Other Agreements

                      Concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement, HCT entered into an amendment to the Advisory Agreement dated as of April 7, 2014 by and among HCT, HCT OP and the Advisor, which we refer to as the advisory agreement amendment. Under the advisory agreement amendment, the parties to the Advisory Agreement agreed to terminate the Advisory Agreement immediately prior to, and contingent upon, the closing of the merger without the need for the 60 days' advance notice required under the Advisory Agreement. The advisory agreement amendment will, however, automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect if the merger agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. Also, concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement, HCT entered into an amendment to the Property Management Agreement dated February 18, 2011, by and among HCT, HCT OP and the Property Manager, which we refer to as the property management agreement amendment. Under the property management agreement amendment, the parties agreed to terminate the Property Management Agreement immediately prior to, and contingent upon, the closing of the merger. The property management agreement amendment will, pursuant to its terms, automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect if the merger agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. Also, concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement, HCT OP and the SLP entered into an amendment to the Listing Note Agreement, which we refer to as the listing note amendment, to provide that: (1) immediately prior to, and contingent upon, the closing of the merger, the SLP will be deemed to have contributed its right to distributions from HCT OP pursuant to its special limited partner interest in HCT OP, the amount of which distributions are evidenced by the Listing Note Agreement, to HCT OP in exchange for 5,613,374 limited partnership units in HCT OP; and (2) the Listing Note Agreement will terminate upon receipt by the SLP of such limited partnership units. The listing note amendment will, pursuant to its terms, automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect if the merger agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. Also, concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement, HCT, HCT OP and the Advisor entered into an agreement terminating the OPP, which we refer to as the OPP termination agreement. Under the OPP termination agreement, the OPP will terminate without payment to the Advisor effective as of immediately prior to the effective time contingent on the occurrence of the effective time. The advisory agreement amendment, the property management agreement amendment, the listing note amendment, and the OPP termination agreement are referred to collectively as the "termination agreements." The termination agreements were entered into pursuant to the requirements of the merger agreement, and, as described above, it is a condition to the obligation of Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub to complete the merger that the termination agreements remain in full force and effect and that no provision thereof has been amended, modified or waived. See "The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger" beginning on page 79.

                      Immediately prior to the closing of the merger, HCT will deliver to the Advisor and the Property Manager all amounts owed to them under the Advisory Agreement and the Management Agreement, respectively, and HCT will cause the Advisor, the SLP, the Property Manager, and any other affiliates of HCT or of the Advisor to execute a full and unconditional release of any claims or liabilities whatsoever that they may have against HCT, any of its subsidiaries, Ventas, any affiliate of Ventas or the surviving entity in the merger (in each case, other than indemnification rights in favor of the Advisor or its affiliates that, as of the date of the merger agreement, exist under such agreements). None of HCT OP, HCT nor any subsidiaries of HCT may make any payment or distribution of any kind to the SLP, the Advisor, or any of their affiliates pursuant to the Listing Note Agreement, other


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              than at the closing of the merger as expressly provided in the listing note amendment. In addition, except as expressly contemplated by the merger agreement, neither HCT nor any of its subsidiaries may make any payment or distribution to the Advisor, the SLP, the Property Manager, any affiliate of HCT, any affiliate of the Advisor, or certain other entities other than (x) compensation payable to the Advisor and the Property Manager in the ordinary course consistent with past practice (other than in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement) in accordance with such agreements as in effect on the date of the merger agreement, (y) distributions permitted by the merger agreement in respect of the limited partnership units and LTIP Units held by such entities in accordance with the terms of the HCT OP partnership agreement and the OPP, respectively, and (z) certain fees and expenses payable to RCS Capital pursuant to the RCS Capital letter agreement.


              Stock Exchange Listing

                      Ventas has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in connection with the merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the effective time of the merger.


              Indemnification of Directors and Officers; Insurance

                      For a period of six years after the effective time of the merger, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement and subject to certain limitations, the surviving entity will indemnify, defend and hold harmless among others, each officer and director of HCT, for actions or omissions at or prior to the effective time of the merger in their capacity as such, including with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

                      Prior to the effective time of the merger, HCT has agreed to (or, if HCT is unable to, Ventas has agreed to cause the surviving entity in the merger to) obtain and pay for a non-cancelable extension of the coverage afforded by HCT's existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policies and HCT's existing fiduciary liability insurance policies covering at least six years after the effective time of the merger with respect to any claim related to any period of time at or prior to the effective time of the merger from one or more insurance carriers with terms and retentions that are no less favorable in the aggregate than the coverage provided under HCT's existing policies, as long as the annual premium does not exceed, for any one year, 300% of the annual aggregate premium(s) under HCT's existing policies.

                      If HCT or the surviving entity does not obtain a "tail" policy as of the effective time of the merger, (i) the surviving entity will maintain in effect, for a period of at least six years after the effective time of the merger, HCT's existing policies in effect on the date of the merger agreement, on terms and limits of liability that are no less favorable in the aggregate than the coverage provided on the date of the merger agreement or (ii) Ventas will provide, or cause the surviving entity to provide, for a period of at least six years after the effective time of the merger, comparable D&O insurance from one or more insurance carriers with terms and retentions that are no less favorable in the aggregate than the coverage provided under HCT's existing policies, or, if substantially equivalent insurance coverage is unavailable, the best available coverage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) neither Ventas nor the surviving entity will be required to pay annual premiums in excess of (for any one year) 300% of the annual premium currently paid by HCT for such insurance, and (ii) if the annual premiums exceed such amount, Ventas or the surviving entity will be obligated to obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount.


              Public Announcements

                      Ventas, Merger Sub, OP Merger Sub, HCT and HCT OP have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, that they and their respective affiliates will consult with, and receive consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) from, each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements or filings with respect to the merger agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.


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              Financing

                      HCT has agreed to, and to cause its subsidiaries to and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause their respective representatives to, cooperate with Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub in connection with any efforts to arrange debt financing or maintain, and amend or increase, their existing credit facilities, for (in whole or in part) satisfying the obligations of Ventas to pay (i) any cash consideration and other amounts due by Ventas, Merger Sub or OP Merger Sub under the merger agreement, (ii) any expenses and (iii) the refinancing of HCT's credit agreement or any other indebtedness of HCT or its subsidiaries.


              Other Covenants and Agreements

                      The merger agreement contains certain other covenants and agreements, including covenants related to:

                HCT taking all action necessary to terminate its equity plans, unless otherwise notified by Ventas in writing, prior to the effective time of the merger;

                each of Ventas and HCT using its reasonable best efforts to cause the merger to qualify as a reorganization under the Code;

                Ventas taking all necessary actions to (i) cause Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub to perform their respective obligations under the merger agreement and to consummate the mergers on the terms and conditions set forth in the merger agreement and (ii) ensure that, prior to the effective time of the merger, Merger Sub does not conduct any business or make any investments or incur or guarantee any indebtedness other than as contemplated by the merger agreement, and HCT taking all necessary actions to cause HCT OP to perform its obligations under the merger agreement and to consummate the mergers on the terms and conditions set forth in the merger agreement;

                each of HCT and Ventas taking all necessary or appropriate steps to ensure that any disposition of HCT common stock and any acquisition of Ventas common stock in connection with the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by certain individuals are exempted pursuant to Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act;

                Ventas and its subsidiaries voting all HCT common stock they beneficially own as of the record date of the HCT special meeting, if any, in favor of approval of the merger;

                HCT causing the transfer and assignment to HCT or one of its subsidiaries of all of the rights, interests and obligations of each affiliate of HCT, as applicable, in certain existing letters of intent or purchase and sale agreements, and HCT's obligation to, and to cause its subsidiaries and affiliates or other acquiring party (on their behalf) to, (a) if requested or consented to by Ventas, use reasonable best efforts to negotiate and execute purchase and sale agreements in the name of HCT (or, if requested by Ventas, a subsidiary of HCT), generally reflecting the terms of certain existing letters of intent and other customary or reasonable provisions agreed upon on the basis of an arm's length negotiation in consultation with Ventas, provided that HCT and its subsidiaries and affiliates will not enter into any definitive agreement or otherwise become subject to any binding obligation in connection with such letters of intent or purchase and sale agreements without Ventas's prior written consent (and Ventas will not unreasonably delay its decision as to whether to grant such consent upon request), and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the closing of the transactions contemplated by certain existing purchase and sale agreements pursuant to the terms of such agreements;

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                HCT disposing of certain properties without any continuing obligations or liabilities of HCT or any of its subsidiaries, for no less than $40 million in cash, if requested by Ventas at least 45 days prior to the anticipated closing date of the merger;

                both Ventas and HCT declaring a prorated dividend to their respective stockholders for the period between the record date of their last dividend and the closing of the merger, at the same rate as their respective dividends for the prior period, for which the record and payment dates will be the close of business on the last business day prior to the effective time of the merger;

                other than as described above, Ventas making, declaring or setting aside any dividend or other distribution to its common stockholders other than the authorization and payment of regular quarterly cash dividends at an annual rate not in excess of $2.90 per share (with such increases in the annual rate as may be approved by the Ventas Board from time to time); and

                with respect to the HCT credit agreement and any other indebtedness identified by Ventas in writing at least ten business days prior to the closing date, (i) HCT and its subsidiaries using reasonable best efforts to deliver all notices and take other actions required to facilitate the termination of commitments in respect of such indebtedness, repayment in full of all obligations in respect of such indebtedness and release of any liens and guarantees in connection therewith on the closing date and (ii) HCT and its subsidiaries using reasonable best efforts to deliver to Ventas a customary payoff letter with respect to the HCT credit agreement and each such other series of indebtedness, executed by the lenders thereunder (or the applicable agent thereunder on their behalf), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Ventas, no later than three business days prior to the closing date (or such later date as Ventas may agree in writing, but in any event, on or prior to the closing date), setting forth all amounts (including the outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and all prepayment, defeasance or other fees and penalties) required to be paid by HCT or any of its subsidiaries under the HCT credit agreement to cause the termination thereof on the closing date and the release of all liens, if any, in connection therewith on the assets of HCT or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise on the business or operations of HCT or any of its subsidiaries.


              Termination of the Merger Agreement

                Termination by Mutual Agreement

                      The merger agreement may be terminated at any time before the effective time of the merger by the mutual written agreement of Ventas and NHP.HCT.


                Termination by Either Ventas or NHPHCT

                      The merger agreement may also be terminated prior to the effective time of the merger by either Ventas or NHPHCT if:

                the merger has not been consummated on or before OctoberJanuary 31, 2011 (provided2015, which we refer to as the outside date; provided that this termination right will not be available to a party if that party failed to fulfillperform its obligations under the merger agreement and that failure was a principleprincipal cause of, or resulted in, the merger not closing);closing by the outside date; and provided further that either party can extend the outside date for up to four successive one-month periods if all of the conditions to Ventas's obligation to close the merger have been satisfied other than the receipt of required regulatory approvals or the condition relating to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of HCT and HCT OP regarding certain tax matters;

                a governmental authority of competent jurisdiction has issued a final and non-applicablenon-appealable order or taken any final and non-appealable other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and such order or other action becomes final and non-appealable (provided

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                  that this termination right will not be available to a party if the issuance of such order was primarily due to the failure of such party to perform any of its obligations under the merger agreement);

                  or

                NHPHCT stockholders fail to adoptapprove the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement at a duly convened meeting at which the merger has been voted upon (provided that this termination right will not be available to NHPa party if the failure to obtain such NHPHCT stockholder approval was primarily due to NHP's failure to perform any of its obligations under the merger agreement); or

                Ventas stockholders fail to approve the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment at a duly convened meeting (provided that this termination right will not be available to Ventas if the failure to obtain such Ventas stockholder approval was primarily due to Ventas'sparty's failure to perform any of its obligations under the merger agreement).

                      The failure of a party to perform its obligations includes, in the case of Ventas, the failure of Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub and, in the case of HCT, the failure of HCT OP, to do so.


              Termination by Ventas

                      The merger agreement may also be terminated prior to the effective time of the merger by Ventas if:

                NHPHCT or HCT OP has breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the merger agreement (other than representations and warranties regarding certain tax matters) that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in a failure of Ventas's condition to consummation of the merger related to the accuracy of HCT's and HCT OP's representations and warranties or HCT's and HCT OP's material performance of or compliance with its obligations under the merger agreement and such breach cannot be cured on or before the outside date or, if curable, is not cured by HCT within 20 days after receiving written notice of such breach or failure (provided that this termination right will not be available to Ventas if Ventas, Merger Sub or OP Merger Sub is then in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in the merger agreement and such breach would result in the failure of HCT's condition to consummation of the merger related to the accuracy of Ventas's, Merger Sub's and OP Merger Sub's representations and warranties or Ventas's, Merger Sub's and OP Merger Sub's material performance of or compliance with their obligations under the merger agreement); or

                (i) the HCT Board has made an adverse recommendation change, (ii) HCT has materially breached its obligation to recommend through the HCT Board that HCT stockholders vote for the merger and to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit and obtain the approval of HCT stockholders for the merger or (iii) HCT has materially breached its obligations under the provision of the merger agreement regarding solicitation of acquisition proposals. Ventas may not terminate the agreement if (ii) or (iii) have been fully cured by HCT within five calendar days following HCT's receipt of written notice of such material breach, provided that any material breach under (ii) and (iii) that results in an alternative acquisition proposal for HCT that is publicly disclosed is not curable.


              Termination by HCT

                      The merger agreement may also be terminated prior to the effective time of the merger by HCT:

                if Ventas, Merger Sub or OP Merger Sub has breached or failed to perform in any material respect any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the merger agreement that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in a failure of Ventas'sHCT's condition to closing the merger related to the accuracyconsummation of NHP's representations and warranties or NHP's material performance of or compliance with its obligations under the merger agreement and such breach either (x) cannot be cured by October 31, 2011 or (y) has not been cured by NHP within 20 days after receiving written notice of such breach (provided that this termination right will not be available to Ventas if Ventas or Needles Acquisition LLC is then in a similar breach that would result in the failure of NHP's condition to closing the merger related to the accuracy of Ventas's, Merger Sub's and Needles Acquisition LLC'sOP Merger Sub's representations and warranties or Ventas's, Merger Sub's and Needles Acquisition LLC's material performance of or compliance with their obligations under the merger agreement); or

                (i) the NHP board of directors has made an adverse recommendation change, (ii) NHP has materially or willfully breached any of its obligations under the provisions of the merger agreement regarding (x) the preparation of the Form S-4 and the joint proxy statement/prospectus and the holding of NHP's stockholder meeting or (y) no solicitation of transactions

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                  by NHP, or (iii) NHP enters into an agreement providing for or relating to an NHP Acquisition Proposal other than a customary confidentiality agreement containing terms no less favorable to NHP than the terms of NHP's confidentiality agreement with Ventas entered into in accordance with the limitations described above under "—No Solicitation of Transactions by NHP" (provided that the termination right under clauses (i) and (ii) will not be available after NHP's stockholders approve the transaction).

                Termination by NHP

                      The merger agreement may also be terminated prior to the effective time of the merger by NHP if Ventas or Needles Acquisition LLC has breached in any material respect any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the merger agreement that would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in a failure of NHP's condition to closing the merger related to the accuracy of Ventas's and Needles Acquisition LLC's representations and warranties or Ventas's and Needles Acquisition LLC'sOP Merger Sub's material performance of or compliance with their obligations under the merger agreement and such breach either (x) cannot be cured by October 31, 2011Ventas, Merger Sub or (y) hasOP Merger Sub on or before the outside date or, if curable, is not been cured by Ventas, Merger Sub or OP Merger Sub within 20 days after


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                  receiving written notice of such breach or failure (provided that this termination right will not be available to NHPHCT if NHPHCT is then in a similar breach thatof any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in the merger agreement and such breach would result in the failure of Ventas's condition to closingconsummation of the merger related to the accuracy of NHP'sHCT's representations and warranties or NHP'sHCT's material performance of or compliance with its obligations under the merger agreement).; or

                    Termination

                  at any time prior to the approval of the merger and the merger agreement by the HCT stockholders in order to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement relating to acquisition proposals (including Ventas's matching rights) described above, provided that such termination will be null and void unless HCT concurrently pays the termination payment described under "Termination Payment: Break-up Fee and Expenses Payable by NHP to VentasExpense Reimbursement" below.


                Termination Payment: Break-up Fee and Expense Reimbursement

                      NHPHCT has agreed to pay Ventas a terminationbreak-up fee in the amount of $175$55.0 million plus $20 million as an expense reimbursement to Ventas (unless the expense amount is previously paid as described below) if:

                all of the following events have occurred:

                if the merger agreement is terminated (A) by by:

                  either NHPHCT or Ventas because (1) the merger is not consummated by the outside date (as such date may be extended) and HCT stockholder approval has not occurred by October 31, 2011 (and,been obtained prior to termination, the Ventas stockholders have approved the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment, but the NHP stockholders have not adopted the merger agreement and approved the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement), or (2) the NHP stockholders fail to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement at a duly convened meeting or (B) by Ventas upon abecause HCT or HCT OP breached or failed to perform in any material uncured breach by NHP ofrespects its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forthas described above, and, in the merger agreement;

                  NHP receiveseach case, an NHP Acquisition Proposal (provided that the referencesacquisition proposal for 50% or more of HCT's common stock or assets is made to "20%" in the definition of "NHP Acquisition Proposal" will be replaced with "50%" for purposes of determining whether a termination fee is due and payable)HCT or any person has publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make an acquisition proposal after the date of the merger agreement which is not publicly withdrawn without qualification prior to such termination, and HCT consummates or executes a definitive agreement regarding an acquisition proposal for 50% or more of HCT's common stock or assets within 12 months of this termination (whether or not the same acquisition proposal as that has been publicly announced; andreferred to above);

                  either HCT or Ventas because HCT stockholders do not approve the merger agreement and the merger at a duly convened meeting at which the merger has been voted upon and an acquisition proposal for 50% or more of HCT's common stock or assets is made to HCT or any person has publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make an acquisition proposal after the date of the merger agreement which is not publicly withdrawn without qualification prior to the HCT stockholders meeting, and HCT consummates or executes a definitive agreement regarding an acquisition proposal for 50% or more of HCT's common stock or assets within 12 months after suchof this termination NHP consummates a transaction regarding,(whether or entersnot the same acquisition proposal as that referred to above);

                  HCT at any time prior to the approval of the merger and the merger agreement by the HCT stockholders in order to enter into a definitivean alternative acquisition agreement which is later consummated with respect to an NHP Acquisition Proposal;a superior proposal in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement relating to acquisition proposals (including Ventas's matching rights); or

                the merger agreement is terminated by(A) Ventas because (A) the NHP board of directorsHCT Board has made an adverse recommendation change, (B) NHPHCT has materially breached its obligation to recommend through the HCT Board that HCT stockholders vote for the merger and to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit and obtain the approval of HCT stockholders for the merger or willfullyHCT has materially breached any of its obligations under the provisionsprovision of the merger agreement regarding (x)solicitation of acquisition proposals, or (B) HCT because HCT stockholders do not approve the preparation of the Form S-4merger agreement and the joint proxy statement/prospectusmerger at a duly convened meeting at which the merger has been voted upon, and at the holdingtime of NHP's stockholder meeting and (y) NHP Acquisition Proposals, or (C) NHP enters into an alternative acquisitionsuch

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                  agreement other than a customary confidentiality agreement containing terms no less favorabletermination Ventas would have been permitted to NHP than the terms of NHP's confidentiality agreement with Ventas entered into in accordance with the limitations described above under "—No Solicitation of Transactions by NHP."

                      NHP has also agreed to pay the expense amount of $20 million to Ventas, if Ventas or NHP terminatesterminate the merger agreement duepursuant to the failure of NHP's stockholders to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, within two business days after such termination (rather than when a termination fee, if any, becomes payable to Ventas)clause (A).

                Termination Fee and Expenses Payable by Ventas to NHP

                      VentasHCT has agreed to pay a termination fee of $175reimburse Ventas for expenses in an amount equal to $10.0 million plus $20 million as an expense reimbursement to NHP (unless the expense amount is previously paid as described below) if all of the following events have occurred:

                the merger agreement is terminated (A) by either NHPHCT or Ventas because (1) the merger hasHCT stockholders do not occurred by October 31, 2011 (and, prior to termination, the NHP stockholders have adoptedapprove the merger agreement and approved the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, but the Ventas stockholders have not approved the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment), or (2) the Ventas stockholders fail to approve the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment at a duly convened meeting or (B) by NHP upon a material uncured breach by Ventas of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth inat which the merger agreement;

                Ventas receives a bona fide Ventas Acquisition Proposal (as defined below) after the date of the merger agreement that has been publicly announced; and

                within 12 months after such termination, Ventas consummates a transaction regarding, or enters into a definitive agreement which is later consummated with respect to, a Ventas Acquisition Proposal.

                      A "Ventas Acquisition Proposal" hasvoted upon. In the same meaning as an "NHP Acquisition Proposal," exceptevent that the words "NHP and/or any of its subsidiaries" are replaced with the word "Ventas," the reference to "20%" is replaced with "50%" and transactions in which Ventas is the acquiring party are not included.

                      Ventas has also agreed to pay $20 million as an expense reimbursement is paid to NHP, if NHP or Ventas, terminatesand the merger agreement duebreak-up fee subsequently becomes payable pursuant to the failure of Ventas's stockholders to approvesecond bullet above, the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection withexpense reimbursement will be credited against the merger and the Ventas charter amendment, within two business days after such termination (rather than when a terminationbreak-up fee if any, becomes payable to NHP).subsequently payable.


              Payment of Expenses; Specific Performance; Modification or Amendment; Waiver of Conditions; Governing LawMiscellaneous Provisions

                Payment of Expenses

                      Other than as described above under "—Termination"Termination Payment: Break-up Fee and Expenses Payable by NHP to Ventas" and "—Termination Fee and Expenses Payable by Ventas to NHP,Expense Reimbursement," the merger agreement provides that each party will pay its own fees and expenses in connection with the merger agreement, except that NHPHCT and Ventas will share equally all expenses related to the printing, filing and distribution of this joint proxy statement/


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              prospectus and the registration statement on Form S-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part (other than attorneys' and accountants' fees).


                Specific Performance

                      The parties to the merger agreement are entitled to seek injunctions, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breaches of the merger agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of the merger agreement in addition to any and all other remedies at law or in equity.


                Amendment

                      The parties to the merger agreement may amend the merger agreement by written agreement executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers, provided that, after adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by NHP's stockholders or the approval of the issuance of shares of Ventas common stock to NHP stockholders in connection with the merger and the Ventas charter amendment by Ventas'sHCT's stockholders, no amendment may be made which changes the form or amount of the consideration to be delivered to the holders of NHPHCT common stock or which by law or in accordance with the rules of any stock exchange requires further approval by NHP's or Ventas'sHCT's stockholders, without the approval of such stockholders.


                Waiver

                      Prior to the effective time of the merger, HCT or HCT OP, on the one hand, and Ventas, Merger Sub or NHPOP Merger Sub, on the other hand, may extend the time for performance of any obligation of the other or waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the other or the other party'stheir compliance with any agreement or condition contained in the merger agreement, to the extent permitted by law.


                Governing Law

                      The merger agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Maryland (without giving effect to choice of law principles thereof).


              IF YOU ARE A VENTAS STOCKHOLDER, THE VENTAS BOARDFirst Amendment to the Merger Agreement
              RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF
              VENTAS COMMON STOCK TO NHP STOCKHOLDERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER
              AND "FOR" THE VENTAS CHARTER AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
              AUTHORIZED SHARES OF VENTAS COMMON STOCK. THE MERGER CANNOT BE COMPLETED WITHOUT THE APPROVAL BY VENTAS STOCKHOLDERS OF BOTH OF THESE PROPOSALS.

              IF YOU ARE AN NHP STOCKHOLDER, THE NHP BOARD
              RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AND THE OTHER TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
                      On September 15, 2014, Ventas, Merger Sub, OP Merger Sub, HCT and HCT OP entered into the first amendment to the merger agreement. The amendment provides that, subject to the satisfaction of the closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement, Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub are not required to consummate the transactions contemplated under the merger agreement until the earlier of the date that is five business days after the receipt of certain third-party consents and the outside date.


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              MATERIAL UNITED STATESU.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER

                      The following generalis a discussion sets forthof the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders (as defined below) of NHPHCT common stock. This discussion does not address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction, or under any United States federal laws other than those pertaining to income tax nor does it address tax consequences arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

                      This discussion is based upon the Code, theTreasury regulations promulgated under the Code, (whichwhich we refer to as the Treasury regulations)Regulations, and courtreported judicial and administrative rulings and decisions all as in effect onas of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. These laws mayprospectus, all of which are subject to change, retroactively or prospectively, and to possibly retroactively, and anydiffering interpretations. Any such change could affect the accuracyvalidity of the statements and conclusions set forth in this discussion.

                      This discussion addresses only those NHP common stockholders that hold their NHP common stock as a capital asset underdoes not address (i) U.S. federal taxes other than income taxes, (ii) state, local or non-U.S. taxes or (iii) tax reporting requirements applicable to the Code (generally, property held for investment). Further,merger. In addition, this discussion does not purport to address all aspects ofthe U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances or that may beother tax considerations applicable to you if youholders of Ventas or HCT common stock that are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws,law, including, if you are:for example:

                a financial institution;institutions;

                a tax-exempt organization;partnerships or entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and investors therein, S corporations or other pass-through entities;

                an S corporation or other pass-through entity (or an investor in an S corporation or other pass-through entity);insurance companies;

                an insurance company;pension plans or other tax-exempt organizations, except to the extent discussed below;

                a mutual fund;

                a dealer or brokerdealers in stocks and securities or currencies;

                a tradertraders in securities that electselect to use a mark-to-market treatment;method of accounting;

                persons that hold their common stock as part of a personstraddle, hedge, constructive sale or conversion transaction;

                persons that is subject todo not hold their common stock as a capital asset within the alternative minimum tax provisionsmeaning of Section 1221 of the Code;

                a holder of NHP common stock that received NHPregulated investment companies;

                REITs;

                certain U.S. expatriates;

                persons whose "functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar;

                persons who acquired their HCT common stock through the exercise of an employee stock option through a tax-qualified retirement plan or otherwise as compensation; and

                a person that ispersons who are not a U.S. holder (as defined below);

                a person that has a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

                a holder of NHP common stock that holds NHP common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion or other integrated transaction; or

                a United States expatriate.holders.

                      Determining the actual tax consequences of the merger to youa U.S. holder of HCT common stock may be complex. They will depend on yourthe holder's specific situation and on factors that are not within the control of Ventas or NHP. YouHCT. U.S. holders should consult with yourtheir tax advisoradvisors as to the tax consequences of the merger in yourtheir particular circumstances, including the applicability and effect of the alternative minimum tax and any state, local, foreign or other tax laws and of changes in those laws.

                      ForGenerally, for purposes of this discussion, the terma "U.S. holder" meansis a beneficial owner of NHP common stockperson that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) purposes:

                an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) States;

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                a corporation, or other entity treatedtaxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) Columbia;

                an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

                a trust if (a)(1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over theits administration of the trust and one or


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                more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) such(2) the trust has made a valid election in effect under current Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposesperson.

              If a partnership or (iv) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source.

                      The U.S. federal income tax consequences to a partner in an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that holds NHPVentas or HCT common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend onupon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners inA partnership or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holding NHPVentas or HCT common stock, and the partners in such partnership, should consult their own tax advisors.


              Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

              Generally

                      The parties        Ventas and HCT intend for the merger to qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. It is a condition to theVentas's obligation of Ventas to complete the merger that Ventas receive an opinion from Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz, dated the closing date, substantiallyspecial counsel to Ventas, to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. It is a condition to theHCT's obligation of NHP to complete the merger that NHPHCT receive an opinion from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, dated the closing date, substantiallyProskauer, special counsel to HCT, to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. These opinions will be based on representation letters providedfactual representations made by Ventas and NHPHCT, and on customary factual assumptions. NeitherThese tax opinions represent the legal judgment of the opinions described above will beoutside counsel to Ventas and HCT and are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service which we refer to as the IRS. Ventas and NHP have not sought and will not seek any(the "IRS").

                      No ruling from the IRS regarding any mattershas been or will be requested relating to the tax consequences of the merger, and as a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS willwould not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any ofdescribed herein or the conclusions set forth below.in the tax opinions. If the condition relating to either tax opinion to be delivered at closing is waived, this proxy statement/prospectus will be amended and recirculated.

                      The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to a U.S. holder of HCT common stock generally will depend on whether the U.S. holder exchanges its HCT common stock for cash, Ventas common stock or a combination of cash and Ventas common stock.


              U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders

                      Provided the merger is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, upon exchanging your NHPCode:

                      Exchange Solely for Cash.    A U.S. holder of HCT common stock for Ventas common stock (other thanwho receives solely cash received in lieu of a fractional share), you generally will not recognize gain or loss. The aggregate tax basis in theexchange for shares of Ventas common stock that you receive in the merger, including any fractional share interests deemed received and sold as described below, will equal your aggregate adjusted tax basis in the NHP common stock you surrender. Your holding period for the shares of Ventas common stock that you receive in the merger (including any fractional share interest deemed received and sold as described below) will include your holding period for the shares of NHP common stock that you surrender in the exchange.

              Cash Instead of a Fractional Share

                      If you receive cash instead of a fractional share of Ventas common stock, you will be treated as having received the fractional share of VentasHCT common stock pursuant to the merger and then as having sold that fractional share of Ventas common stock for cash. As a result, you generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and such holder's adjusted U.S. federal income tax basis in the basis allocableshares of HCT common stock surrendered.

                      Exchange Solely for Ventas Common Stock.    A U.S. holder of HCT common stock who receives solely shares of Ventas common stock in exchange for shares of HCT common stock pursuant to yourthe merger generally will not recognize any gain or loss except in respect of cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Ventas common stock (as discussed below).


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                      Exchange for Ventas Common Stock and Cash.    A U.S. holder of HCT common stock who receives a combination of Ventas common stock and cash in exchange for shares of HCT common stock pursuant to the merger generally will recognize gain (but not loss) in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the amount of gain realized (i.e., the excess of the sum of the amount of cash, other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Ventas common stock, and the fair market value of the Ventas common stock received pursuant to the merger over such holder's adjusted U.S. federal income tax basis in its shares of HCT common stock surrendered) and (2) the amount of cash received pursuant to the merger (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Ventas common stock).

                      If a U.S. holder of HCT common stock acquired different blocks of HCT common stock at different times or different prices, any gain or loss must be determined separately for each block of HCT common stock. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the manner in which cash and Ventas common stock received in the merger should be allocated among different blocks of HCT common stock.

                      Character of Gain or Loss.    Any gain or loss recognized in connection with the merger generally will constitute capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder's holding period with respect to the HCT common stock surrendered is more than one year at the effective time of the merger. Long-term capital gain of certain non-corporate taxpayers, including individuals, is generally taxed at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. In some cases, if a U.S. holder of HCT common stock actually or constructively owns Ventas common stock other than Ventas common stock received pursuant to the merger, the recognized gain could be treated as having the effect of a distribution of a dividend under the tests set forth above. Thisin Section 302 of the Code, in which case such gain would be treated as dividend income to the extent of the U.S. holder's ratable share of accumulated earnings and profits as calculated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because the possibility of dividend treatment depends upon each holder's particular circumstances, including the application of constructive ownership rules, U.S. holders of HCT common stock should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the foregoing rules to their particular circumstances.

                      Holding Period and Basis in Ventas Common Stock.    The aggregate U.S. federal income tax basis of Ventas common stock received (including fractional shares deemed received and redeemed as described below) in the merger will be equal to the aggregate adjusted U.S. federal income tax basis of the shares of HCT common stock surrendered therefor, reduced by the amount of any cash received by the U.S. holder pursuant to the merger (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Ventas common stock) and increased by the amount of gain (including any portion of the gain that is treated as a dividend as described above but excluding any gain or loss resulting from the deemed redemption of fractional shares described below), if any, recognized by the U.S. holder on the exchange. The holding period of the Ventas common stock (including fractional shares deemed received and redeemed as described below) will include the holding period of the shares of HCT common stock surrendered. U.S. holders holding blocks of HCT common stock acquired at different time or difference prices should consult their tax advisors with respect to identifying the bases and holding periods of the particular shares of Ventas common stock received in the merger.

                      Cash Received Instead of Fractional Shares.    A U.S. holder of HCT common stock who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of Ventas common stock generally will be treated as having received such fractional share and then as having received such cash in redemption of the fractional share. Gain or loss generally will be recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes based on the difference between the amount of cash received instead of the fractional share and the portion of the U.S. holder's aggregate adjusted U.S. federal income tax basis of the shares of HCT common stock surrendered which is allocable to the fractional share. Such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if as of the effective date of the merger, the holding period for thesuch shares (including the holding period of NHPHCT common


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              stock surrendered therefor) is greatermore than one year.year at the effective time of the merger. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

                      Additional Medicare Tax.    U.S. holders of HCT common stock that are individuals, trusts or estates and whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds generally will be subject to an additional 3.8% tax with regard to dividends on and "net gains" from the disposition of HCT common stock pursuant to the merger. U.S. holders of HCT common stock should consult their tax advisors with respect to the applicability of this tax.

                      Backup Withholding.    Certain U.S. holders of HCT common stock may be subject to backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax with respect to any cash received pursuant to the merger. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a U.S. holder of HCT common stock that furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding on IRS Form W-9 (or substitute Form W-9) or is otherwise exempt from backup withholding and provides appropriate proof of the applicable exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld will be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the holder timely furnishes the required information to the IRS.

              THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DISCUSSION OF ALL OF THE POTENTIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER. HOLDERS OF HCT COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING TAX RETURN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER APPLICABLE TAX LAWS IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.


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              Backup WithholdingLITIGATION RELATED TO THE MERGER

                      If you are a non-corporate holder of NHP common stock you may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%) on any cash payments you receive. You generally will not be subject to backup withholding, however, if you:

                furnish a correct taxpayer identification number, certify that you are not subject to backup withholding onIn the substitute Form W-9 or successor form included inweeks following the letter of transmittal you will receive and otherwise comply with all the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules; or

                provide proof that you are otherwise exempt from backup withholding.

                      Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided you timely furnish the required information to the IRS.

              This summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequencesannouncement of the merger ison June 2, 2014, purported stockholders of HCT filed thirteen (13) putative class action lawsuits naming HCT and its directors, Ventas, Merger Sub, and OP Merger Sub as defendants. Some complaints also name HCT's Chief Executive Officer, American Realty Capital V, LLC, American Realty Capital Healthcare Advisors, LLC, American Realty Healthcare Special Limited Partnership, LLC, and Realty Capital Securities, LLC as additional defendants. Certain of these lawsuits also purport to assert derivative claims on behalf of HCT against particular defendants, including HCT's directors, certain HCT-related entities referenced above, Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub. The purported stockholder plaintiffs have commenced these actions in three jurisdictions: the Circuit Court for general information onlyBaltimore City, Maryland ("Maryland State Court"), the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York ("New York State Court") and is not tax advice. You are urgedthe United States District Court for the District of Maryland. All of these stockholder complaints generally allege that HCT's directors breached certain fiduciary duties to consult your tax advisor with respectHCT's stockholders by approving the merger agreement, and that Ventas aided and abetted those breaches. Several of these complaints purport to assert both direct and derivative claims; certain complaints also assert a claim for breach of contract, waste of corporate assets or unjust enrichment. All of these complaints request an injunction of the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to your particular situation as well as any tax consequences arisingmerger and, in the alternative, damages.

                      In the Maryland State Court, the following actions were filed by purported HCT stockholders:Holzerv. American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al.; Romano v.American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al.;Brennerv. American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc., et al.; Hamillv.American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al.;Stanleyv. American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al.; Shinev. American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al.;Uhlv. American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al.; Kuov. American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al.; Florv. American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al.; andAbbasiv. American Realty Healthcare Capital Trust, Inc., et al. On August 20, 2014, these actions were consolidated under the U.S. federal estate or gift tax rules, or undercaptionIn re: American Realty Capital, Healthcare Trust, Inc. Shareholder & Derivative Litigation, Case No. 24-C-14-003534. On October 17, 2014, Plaintiffs in the lawsconsolidated action filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint includes, among other things, claims relating to HCT's disclosures.

                      In New York State Court, the following actions were filed by purported HCT stockholders:Schindler v.Burns, et al. andFrey v.American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc., et al.

                      One action was filed in the United States District Court of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction.Maryland:Rosenzweig v.Schorsch, et al.

                      HCT, its directors, Ventas, Merger Sub and OP Merger Sub believe that each of these actions is without merit.


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              NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS

                      Holders of HCT common stock may not exercise the rights of objecting stockholders to receive the fair value of their shares in connection with the merger because, as permitted by the MGCL, HCT's charter provides that stockholders shall not be entitled to exercise any appraisal rights unless the HCT Board, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the board, shall determine that such rights apply. The HCT Board has made no such determination.


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              VENTAS, INC.
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
              CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
              As of and For the Year Ended December 31, 2010

                      On October 22, 2010, Ventas announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 118 private pay seniors housing communities owned and/or operated by Atria (including assets owned by Atria's affiliate, One Lantern) from funds affiliated with LREP for a purchase price of approximately $3 billion, comprised of $1.35 billion in Ventas common stock (a fixed 24.96 million shares based on Ventas's 10-day volume weighted average price as of October 20, 2010 of $54.09), $150 million in cash and the assumption or repayment of approximately $1.6 billion of debt and capital lease obligations, less assumed cash.

                      On February 28, 2011, Ventas announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NHP in a stock-for-stock transaction valued at approximately $7 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, in the merger, NHP stockholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.7866 shares of Ventas common stock for each share of NHP common stock they own.

                      The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information sets forth:

                The historical consolidated financial information of Ventas as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2014, derived from Ventas's unaudited consolidated financial statements, and the historical consolidated statement of income information of Ventas for the year ended December 31, 20102013, derived from Ventas's audited consolidated financial statements;

                Pro forma adjustments to give effect to Ventas's other 2010 acquisitions and other investments, dispositions and significant debt activityAugust 2014 acquisition of 29 independent living seniors housing communities located in Canada on theVentas's consolidated statementbalance sheet as of income of Ventas for the year ended December 31, 2010,June 30, 2014, as if these transactions occurredthe acquisition closed on January 1, 2010;

                The historical consolidated financial information of Atria and One Lantern as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 derived from Atria's and One Lantern's audited consolidated financial statements, respectively;June 30, 2014;

                Pro forma adjustments to give effect to Ventas's 2014 and 2013 acquisitions and other investments, dispositions and significant debt activity (including the August 2014 acquisition of Atria29 independent living seniors housing communities located in Canada and One Lanternthe April 2014 issuance and sale of $700 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes) on theVentas's consolidated balance sheet of Ventas as of December 31, 2010, as if the acquisition closed on December 31, 2010;

                Pro forma adjustments to give effect to Ventas's acquisition of Atria and One Lantern on the consolidated statementstatements of income of Ventasfor the six months ended June 30, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2010,2013, as if the acquisition closedthese transactions occurred on January 1, 2010;

                Pro forma adjustments to give effect to Ventas's February 2011 equity issuance, which was completed in contemplation of the acquisition of Atria and One Lantern;2013;

                The historical consolidated financial information of NHPHCT as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2014, derived from HCT's unaudited consolidated financial statements, and the historical consolidated statement of income information of HCT for the year ended December 31, 20102013, derived from NHP'sHCT's audited consolidated financial statements;

                Pro forma adjustments to give effect to NHP's 2010HCT's 2014 and 2013 acquisitions and other investments, dispositions and significant debt activity and equity issuances on theHCT's consolidated statementstatements of income of NHPfor the six months ended June 30, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2010,2013, as if these transactions occurred on January 1, 2010;2013;

                Pro forma adjustments to give effect to Ventas's acquisition of NHPHCT on theVentas's consolidated balance sheet of Ventas as of December 31, 2010,June 30, 2014, as if the acquisition closed on December 31, 2010;June 30, 2014; and

                Pro forma adjustments to give effect to Ventas's acquisition of NHPHCT on theVentas's consolidated statementstatements of income of Ventasfor the six months ended June 30, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2010,2013, as if the acquisition closed on January 1, 2010.2013.

                      Certain assets and liabilities of Atria and One Lantern included in the historical consolidated financial information consisting primarily of certain working capital, property leases, insurance items


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              and property management services will not be acquired and have been so reflected in the pro forma adjustments. Also, certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP has been eliminated in the pro forma adjustments.

                      These unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements arehave been prepared for informational purposes only and are based on assumptions and estimates considered appropriate by Ventas's management; however, they are not necessarily indicative of what Ventas's consolidated financial condition or results of operations actually would have been assuming the transactions had been consummated as of the dates indicated, nor do they purport to represent theVentas's consolidated financial position or results of operations for future periods. These unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements do not include the impact of any synergies that may be achieved in the transactions or any strategies that management may consider in order to continue to efficiently manage Ventas's operations. This pro forma condensed consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with:

                Ventas's unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter then ended, filed with (1) the SEC on August 11, 2014;

                Ventas's audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 20102013 included in Ventas'sthe Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year then ended, filed with the SEC on February 18, 2011, which is incorporated2014, as amended by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, (2)

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                  Amendment No. 1 to the auditedCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed with the SEC on September 4, 2014;

                HCT's unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto of each of Atria Senior Living Group, Inc. and One Lantern as of and for the yearsix months ended December 31, 2010, which areJune 30, 2014 included in Ventas's CurrentHCT's Quarterly Report on Form 8-K10-Q for the quarter then ended, filed with the SEC on April 11, 2011August 12, 2014; and incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and (3) NHP's

                HCT's audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 20102013 included in NHP'sHCT's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year then ended, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2011, which is incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information," beginning on page 131.

                February 26, 2014.

                      The acquisition of Atria, One Lantern and NHPHCT will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805,Business Combinations. The total purchase price of approximately $10$2.9 billion will be allocated to the assets ultimately acquired and liabilities ultimately assumed based upon their respective fair values. The allocations of the purchase pricesprice reflected in these unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have not been finalized and are based upon preliminary estimates of these fair values, which is the best available information at the current time. A final determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which cannot be made prior to the completion of the acquisitions, which are anticipated to occur during 2011,acquisition, will be based on the actual valuations of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities that exist as of the datesdate of completion of the acquisitions.acquisition. Consequently, amounts preliminarily allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities could change significantly from those used in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and could result in a material change in depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities.

                      The completion of the valuations,valuation, the allocationsallocation of purchase price, the impact of ongoing integration activities, the timing of completion of the acquisitionsacquisition and other changes in tangible and intangible assets and liabilities that occur prior to completion of the acquisitionsacquisition could cause material differences in the information presented.


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              VENTAS, INC.

              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

              As of December 31, 2010

              (In thousands)

               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Atria
              Historical(A)
               One Lantern
              Historical(B)
               Atria and One
              Lantern
              Acquisition
              Adjustments(C)
               Ventas
              Pro Forma
              for the
              Atria and One
              Lantern
              Acquisition
               NHP
              Historical(D)
               NHP
              Acquisition
              Adjustments(E)
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Assets:

                                       

              Net real estate investments

               $5,444,114 $1,053,595 $721,489 $1,483,572  (F)$8,702,770 $3,861,512 $3,548,347  (O)$16,112,629 

              Cash and cash equivalents

                
              21,812
                
              143,833
                
              27,858
                
              (104,333

              )(G)
               
              89,170
                
              59,591
                
              749

                (P)
               
              149,510
               

              Escrow deposits and restricted cash

                38,940  29,142  33,250  (13,320)(G) 88,012  7,285  (4,202)(Q) 91,095 

              Deferred financing costs, net

                19,533  11,384  4,064  (15,448)(H) 19,533  8,566  (8,566)(H) 19,533 

              Other

                233,622  121,132  9,940  (52,276)(I) 312,418  155,670  48,133  (R) 516,221 
                                
                

              Total assets

               $5,758,021 $1,359,086 $796,601 $1,298,195 $9,211,903 $4,092,624 $3,584,461 $16,888,988 
                                

              Liabilities and equity:

                                       

              Liabilities:

                                       
               

              Senior notes payable and other debt

               $2,900,044 $1,067,521 $661,519 $(51,229)  (J)$4,577,855 $1,529,257 $(63,682)(S)$6,043,430 
               

              Accrued interest

                19,296  555  5,229  (418)(G) 24,662  23,728  (137)(Q) 48,253 
               

              Accounts payable and other liabilities

                207,143  78,157  45,916  12,422  (K) 343,638  127,341  401,623  (T) 872,602 
               

              Deferred income taxes

                241,333  28,642    11,221  (L) 281,196      281,196 
                                
                

              Total liabilities

                3,367,816  1,174,875  712,664  (28,004) 5,227,351  1,680,326  337,804  7,245,481 

              Redeemable OP unitholder interests

                
                
                
                
                
                
              79,188
                
              18,742

                (U)
               
              97,930
               

              Commitments and contingencies

                                       

              Equity:

                                       
               

              Total stockholders' equity

                2,386,726  184,211  49,149  1,360,987  (M) 3,981,073  2,299,827  3,145,043  (V) 9,425,943 
               

              Noncontrolling interest

                3,479    34,788  (34,788)(N) 3,479  33,283  82,872  (W) 119,634 
                                
                

              Total equity

                2,390,205  184,211  83,937  1,326,199  3,984,552  2,333,110  3,227,915  9,545,577 
                                
                

              Total liabilities and equity

               $5,758,021 $1,359,086 $796,601 $1,298,195 $9,211,903 $4,092,624 $3,584,461 $16,888,988 
                                

              See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.


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              VENTAS, INC.

              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

              For the year ended December 31, 2010

              (In thousands, except per share amounts)

               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Ventas 2010
              Transactions
              Adjustments(X)
               Pro Forma
              for
              Ventas 2010
              Transactions
               Atria
              Historical(A)
               One Lantern
              Historical(B)
               Atria and One
              Lantern
              Acquisition
              Adjustments(C)
               Ventas
              Pro Forma
              for the
              Atria and One
              Lantern
              Acquisition
               NHP
              Historical(D)
               NHP 2010
              Transactions
              Adjustments(X)
               Pro Forma for
              NHP 2010
              Transactions
               NHP Acquisition
              Adjustments(E)
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Revenues:

                                                   
               

              Rental income:

                                                   
                

              Triple-net leased

               $469,825 $260 $470,085 $ $ $ $470,085 $307,567 $20,845 $328,412 $13,464  (EE)$811,961 
                

              Medical office buildings

                69,747  25,949  95,696        95,696  102,287  12,376  114,663  (2,398)(FF) 207,961 
                                        

                539,572  26,209  565,781        565,781  409,854  33,221  443,075  11,066  1,019,922 
               

              Resident fees and services

                446,301  1,619  447,920  466,773  165,463  (33,316)(Y) 1,046,840          1,046,840 
               

              Medical office building services revenue

                14,098  14,098  28,196        28,196          28,196 
               

              Income from loans and investments

                16,412  1,024  17,436        17,436  26,402  5,678  32,080  (100)(GG) 49,416 
               

              Interest and other income

                484  19  503  77,789  820  (78,318)(Y) 794  2,977  (1) 2,976    3,770 
                                        
                

              Total revenues

                1,016,867  42,969  1,059,836  544,562  166,283  (111,634) 1,659,047  439,233  38,898  478,131  10,966  2,148,144 

              Expenses:

                                                   
               

              Interest

                178,863  9,178  188,041  71,604  47,236  (47,508)(Z) 259,373  97,329  (3,329) 94,000  (38,266)(HH) 315,107 
               

              Depreciation and amortization

                205,600  14,845  220,445  52,138  22,663  109,093  (AA) 404,339  134,522  18,276  152,798  108,859  (II) 665,996 
               

              Property-level operating expenses:

                                                   
                

              Senior living

                291,831  1,443  293,274  395,796  109,277  (75,565)(BB) 722,782        (3,039)(Q) 719,743 
                

              Medical office buildings

                24,122  9,783  33,905        33,905  39,536  2,432  41,968    75,873 
                                        

                315,953  11,226  327,179  395,796  109,277  (75,565) 756,687  39,536  2,432  41,968  (3,039) 795,616 
               

              Medical office building services costs

                9,518  9,518  19,036        19,036          19,036 
               

              General, administrative and professional fees

                49,830  7,981  57,811  47,558  749  (48,307)(Y) 57,811  31,057    31,057    88,868 
               

              Foreign currency loss

                272    272        272          272 
               

              Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt

                9,791    9,791  2    (2)(Y) 9,791  (75)   (75) 75  (JJ) 9,791 
               

              Other

                      6,009  19,607  (85)(Y) 25,531          25,531 
               

              Merger related expenses and deal costs

                19,243    19,243        19,243  5,118    5,118    24,361 
                                        
                

              Total expenses

                789,070  52,748  841,818  573,107  199,532  (62,374) 1,552,083  307,487  17,379  324,866  67,629  1,944,578 
                                        

              Income (loss) before (loss) income from unconsolidated entities, income taxes, discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest

                227,797  (9,779) 218,018  (28,545) (33,249) (49,260) 106,964  131,746  21,519  153,265  (56,663) 203,566 

              (Loss) income from unconsolidated entities

                (664) (664) (1,328)   130  (130)(Y) (1,328) 5,478  (12) 5,466  (869)(KK) 3,269 

              Income tax (expense) benefit

                (5,201) (39) (5,240) 7,560    32,303  (CC) 34,623          34,623 
                                        

              Income (loss) from continuing operations

                221,932  (10,482) 211,450  (20,985) (33,119) (17,087) 140,259  137,224  21,507  158,731  (57,532) 241,458 

              Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

                3,562  (3,616) (54)   (5,907) 5,907  (N) (54) (1,643) (317) (1,960) (3,165)(KK) (5,179)
                                        

              Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

               $218,370 $(6,866)$211,504 $(20,985)$(27,212)$(22,994)$140,313 $138,867 $21,824 $160,691 $(54,367)$246,637 
                                        

              Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share:

                                                   
               

              Basic

               $1.39  n/a $1.35  n/a  n/a  n/a $0.75 $1.14  n/a $1.27  n/a $0.86 
               

              Diluted

               $1.38  n/a $1.34  n/a  n/a  n/a $0.75 $1.12  n/a $1.24  n/a $0.85 

              Shares used in computing earnings per common share:

                                                   
               

              Basic

                156,608    156,608  n/a  n/a  30,522  (DD) 187,130  121,687  4,782  126,469  99,481  (LL) 286,611 
               

              Diluted

                157,657    157,657  n/a  n/a  30,522  (DD) 188,179  124,339  4,782  129,121  101,567  (LL) 289,746 

              See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.presented herein.


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              VENTAS, INC.

              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

              As of June 30, 2014

              (In thousands)

               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Ventas 2014
              Transactions
              Adjustments
              (A)
               Pro Forma for
              Ventas 2014
              Transactions
               HCT
              Historical
              (B)
               HCT
              Acquisition
              Adjustments
              (C)
                
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Assets

                                   

              Net real estate investments

               $18,389,744 $1,004,635 $19,394,379 $1,972,317 $738,501 (D) $22,105,197 

              Cash and cash equivalents

                86,635  43,669  130,304  28,695      158,999 

              Escrow deposits and restricted cash

                75,514    75,514  2,135      77,649 

              Deferred financing costs, net

                63,399  4,701  68,100  19,287  (19,287)(E)  68,100 

              Other assets

                1,175,494  (36,287) 1,139,207  55,091  82,300 (F)  1,276,598 
                              

              Total assets

               $19,790,786 $1,016,718 $20,807,504 $2,077,525 $801,514   $23,686,543 
                              
                              

              Liabilities and equity

                                   

              Liabilities:

                                   

              Senior notes payable and other debt

               $9,602,439 $923,641 $10,526,080 $815,707 $198,783 (G) $11,540,570 

              Accrued interest

                56,722    56,722  1,540      58,262 

              Accounts payable and other liabilities

                975,282  11,644  986,926  95,634  (37,676)(H)  1,044,884 

              Deferred income taxes

                256,392  107,026  363,418        363,418 
                              
              ���

              Total liabilities

                10,890,835  1,042,311  11,933,146  912,881  161,107    13,007,134 

              Redeemable OP unitholder and noncontrolling interests

                169,292    169,292    79,959 (I)  249,251 

              Commitments and contingencies

                                   

              Equity:

                                   

              Total Ventas stockholders' equity

                8,655,110  (25,593) 8,629,517  1,150,157  574,935 (J)  10,354,609 

              Noncontrolling interest

                75,549    75,549  14,487  (14,487)(K)  75,549 
                              

              Total equity

                8,730,659  (25,593) 8,705,066  1,164,644  560,448    10,430,158 
                              

              Total liabilities and equity

               $19,790,786 $1,016,718 $20,807,504 $2,077,525 $801,514   $23,686,543 
                              
                              

              See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.


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              VENTAS, INC.

              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

              For the six months ended June 30, 2014

              (In thousands, except per share amounts)

               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Ventas 2014
              Transactions
              Adjustments
              (L)
               Pro Forma for
              Ventas 2014
              Transactions
               HCT
              Historical
              (B)
               HCT 2014
              Transactions
              Adjustments
              (L)
               Pro Forma
              for HCT
              2014
              Transactions
               HCT
              Acquisition
              Adjustments
              (C)
                
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Revenues:

                                         

              Rental income:

                                         

              Triple-net leased

               $480,572 $4,136 $484,708 $13,218 $4,823 $18,041 $131 (M) $502,880 

              Medical office buildings

                230,113  (209) 229,904  48,939  964  49,903  (162)(M)  279,645 
                                  

                710,685  3,927  714,612  62,157  5,787  67,944  (31)   782,525 

              Resident fees and services

                745,534  58,218  803,752  58,214  11,321  69,535      873,287 

              Medical office building and other services revenue

                10,667    10,667            10,667 

              Income from loans and investments

                25,392  2,059  27,451  1,130    1,130  (12)(N)  28,569 

              Interest and other income

                446    446            446 
                                  

              Total revenues

                1,492,724  64,204  1,556,928  121,501  17,108  138,609  (43)   1,695,494 

              Expenses:

                                         

              Interest

                179,342  13,760  193,102  12,651  359  13,010  (1,788)(O)  204,324 

              Depreciation and amortization

                384,412  29,424  413,836  60,656  7,303  67,959  (18,520)(P)  463,275 

              Property-level operating expenses:

                                         

              Senior living

                497,719  28,628  526,347  41,532  7,650  49,182      575,529 

              Medical office buildings

                78,680  (39) 78,641  10,150  290  10,440      89,081 
                                  

                576,399  28,589  604,988  51,682  7,940  59,622      664,610 

              Medical office building services costs

                4,997    4,997            4,997 

              General, administrative and professional fees

                64,172    64,172  4,057    4,057      68,229 

              Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net

                2,665  (243) 2,422            2,422 

              Merger-related expenses and deal costs

                20,359  (8,398) 11,961  25,878  (6,428) 19,450      31,411 

              Other

                10,092    10,092  71,067    71,067  (71,067)(Q)  10,092 
                                  

              Total expenses

                1,242,438  63,132  1,305,570  225,991  9,174  235,165  (91,375)   1,449,360 
                                  

              Income (loss) before income from unconsolidated entities, income taxes, discontinued operations, real estate dispositions and noncontrolling interest

                250,286  1,072  251,358  (104,490) 7,934  (96,556) 91,332    246,134 

              Income from unconsolidated entities

                596  36  632            632 

              Income tax expense

                (6,707)   (6,707) (642)   (642)     (7,349)
                                  

              Income from continuing operations

                244,175  1,108  245,283  (105,132) 7,934  (97,198) 91,332    239,417 

              Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net

                12,889  (14,771) (1,882)           (1,882)
                                  

              Income (loss) from continuing operations, including real estate dispositions

                257,064  (13,663) 243,401  (105,132) 7,934  (97,198) 91,332    237,535 

              Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

                395    395  (808)   (808) 808 (R)  395 
                                  

              Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, including real estate dispositions

               $256,669 $(13,663)$243,006 $(104,324)$7,934 $(96,390)$90,524   $237,140 
                                  
                                  

              Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share:

                                         

              Basic

               $0.87 $ $0.83 $(0.58)$ $(0.54) N/A   $0.74 

              Diluted

               $0.87 $ $0.82 $(0.58)$ $(0.54) N/A   $0.73 

              Weighted average shares used in computing earnings per common share:

                                         

              Basic

                293,932    293,932  178,357    178,357  25,723 (S)  319,655 

              Diluted

                296,369    296,369  178,357    178,357  26,914 (S)  323,283 

              See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.


              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

              For the year ended December 31, 2013

              (In thousands, except per share amounts)

               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Ventas 2014
              and 2013
              Transactions
              Adjustments
              (L)
               Pro Forma for
              Ventas 2014
              and 2013
              Transactions
               HCT
              Historical
              (B)
               HCT 2014
              and 2013
              Transactions
              Adjustments
              (L)
               Pro Forma
              for HCT
              2014 and
              2013
              Transactions
               HCT
              Acquisition
              Adjustments
              (C)
                
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Revenues:

                                          

              Rental income:

                                          

              Triple-net leased

               $875,877 $63,404 $939,281 $12,880 $15,600 $28,480 $261  (M)$968,022 

              Medical office buildings

                450,107  5,208  455,315  64,075  31,314  95,389  (258) (M) 550,446 
                                   

                1,325,984  68,612  1,394,596  76,955  46,914  123,869  3     1,518,468 

              Resident fees and services

                1,406,005  180,806  1,586,811  47,698  67,768  115,466       1,702,277 

              Medical office building and other services revenue

                17,809  596  18,405             18,405 

              Income from loans and investments

                58,208  (2,573) 55,635  569    569  (13) (N) 56,191 

              Interest and other income

                2,047  1  2,048  89    89       2,137 
                                   

              Total revenues

                2,810,053  247,442  3,057,495  125,311  114,682  239,993  (10)    3,297,478 

              Expenses:

                                          

              Interest

                334,484  65,650  400,134  15,843  2,884  18,727  1,459  (O) 420,320 

              Depreciation and amortization

                721,959  108,216  830,175  67,456  60,583  128,039  4,960  (P) 963,174 

              Property-level operating expenses:

                                          

              Senior living

                956,684  94,666  1,051,350  33,151  42,137  75,288       1,126,638 

              Medical office buildings

                152,948  3,069  156,017  12,814  5,013  17,827       173,844 
                                   

                1,109,632  97,735  1,207,367  45,965  47,150  93,115       1,300,482 

              Medical office building services costs

                8,315    8,315             8,315 

              General, administrative and professional fees

                115,106  (5) 115,101  4,089    4,089       119,190 

              Loss on extinguishment of debt, net

                1,201  243  1,444             1,444 

              Merger-related expenses and deal costs

                21,634  (7,276) 14,358  13,606  (15,239) (1,633)      12,725 

              Other

                18,732    18,732             18,732 
                                   

              Total expenses

                2,331,063  264,563  2,595,626  146,959  95,378  242,337  6,419     2,844,382 
                                   

              Income (loss) before (loss) income from unconsolidated entities, income taxes, discontinued operations, real estate dispositions and noncontrolling interest

                478,990  (17,121) 461,869  (21,648) 19,304  (2,344) (6,429)    453,096 

              (Loss) income from unconsolidated entities

                (508) 493  (15)            (15)

              Income tax benefit (expense)

                11,828    11,828  (524)   (524)      11,304 
                                   

              Income (loss) from continuing operations

                490,310  (16,628) 473,682  (22,172) 19,304  (2,868) (6,429)    464,385 

              Gain on real estate dispositions, net

                  14,771  14,771              14,771 
                                   

              Income (loss) from continuing operations, including real estate dispositions

                490,310  (1,857) 488,453  (22,172) 19,304  (2,868) (6,429)    479,156 

              Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

                1,380  143  1,523  58    58  (58) (R) 1,523 
                                   

              Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

               $488,930 $(2,000)$486,930 $(22,230)$19,304 $(2,926)$(6,371)   $477,633 
                                   
                                   

              Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders per common share:

                                          

              Basic

               $1.67 $ $1.66 $(0.15)$ $(0.02) N/A    $1.50 

              Diluted

               $1.66 $ $1.65 $(0.15)$ $(0.02) N/A    $1.48 

              Weighted average shares used in computing earnings per common share:

                                          

              Basic

                292,654    292,654  151,684    151,684  25,723  (S) 318,377 

              Diluted

                295,110    295,110  151,684    151,684  26,914  (S) 322,024 

              See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.


              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRO FORMA PRESENTATION

                      Ventas is a REIT with a geographically diverse portfolio of seniors housing and healthcare properties in the United States, Canada and Canada.the United Kingdom. The historical consolidated financial statements of Ventas include the accounts of Ventasthe Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and joint venture entities over which it exercises control.

                      On October 22, 2010,June 2, 2014, Ventas announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 118 private pay seniors housing communities owned and/or operated by Atria (including assets owned by Atria's affiliate, One Lantern) from funds affiliated with LREP for a purchase priceall of approximately $3 billion, comprisedthe outstanding shares of $1.35 billion in Ventas common stock (a fixed 24.96 million shares based on Ventas's 10-day volume weighted average price as of October 20, 2010 of $54.09), $150 million in cash and the assumption or repayment of approximately $1.6 billion of debt and capital lease obligations, less assumed cash.

                      On February 28, 2011, Ventas announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NHPHCT in a stock-for-stockstock and cash transaction valued at approximately $7 billion. Under$2.9 billion, or $11.33 per HCT share, including investments expected to be made by HCT prior to the termsacquisition, the majority of the agreement, in the merger, NHP stockholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.7866 shares of Ventas common stock for each share of NHP common stock they own.which have now been completed.

              NOTE 2—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                (A)
                Adjustments reflect the effect on Ventas's historical consolidated balance sheet of its August 2014 acquisition of 29 independent living seniors housing communities located in Canada, a portion of which was funded through borrowings under a new CAD 791 million unsecured term loan, as if this transaction closed on June 30, 2014.

                (B)
                Reflects historical consolidated financial condition or results of operations of AtriaHCT as of or for the six months ended June 30, 2014 or for the year ended December 31, 2010. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to Ventas's presentation.

                (B)
                Reflects historical financial condition or results of operations of One Lantern as of or for the year ended December 31, 2010.2013. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to Ventas's presentation.

                (C)
                RepresentsReflects adjustments to record the acquisition of Atria and One LanternHCT by Ventas based upon the estimated purchase price of approximately $3$2.9 billion. The calculation of the estimated purchase price to be allocated is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

              Equity to be issued (24.96 million shares at $54.09 per share)(1)

               $1,350 

              Cash to be paid (assumed to be funded with borrowings from Ventas's unsecured revolving credit facilities)

                150 

              Assumption or repayment of net debt, including capital lease obligations

                1,626 
                  

              Purchase price

               $3,126 
                  

              Equity to be issued (26.9 million shares at $67.13 per share)

               $1,806 

              Cash to be paid (assumed to be funded with borrowings under Ventas's unsecured revolving credit facility)

                192 

              Assumption or repayment of net debt

                930 
                  

              Estimated purchase price

               $2,928 
                  
                  

              (1)
              Purchase price will be adjusted based on the share price of Ventas common stock at closing consistent with the requirements of ASC 805,Business Combinations.
                (D)
                Reflects historical financial condition or results of operations of NHP as of or for the year ended December 31, 2010. Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to Ventas's presentation.

              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 2—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Continued)

                (E)
                Represents adjustments to record the acquisition of NHP by Ventas based upon the purchase price of approximately $7 billion. Additionally, certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP has been eliminated. The calculation of the purchase price to be allocated is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

              Equity to be issued (126.3 million shares of NHP common stock and 2.2 million Class A limited partnership units at $44.99 per share)(1)

               $5,778 

              Assumption of debt(2)

                1,614 
                  

              Purchase price

               $7,392 
                  

              (1)
              Purchase price will be adjusted based on the share price of Ventas common stock at closing consistent with the requirements of ASC 805,Business Combinations.

              (2)
              Includes NHP's joint venture share of total debt from its unconsolidated entities.
                (F)
                Reflects adjustment to eliminate assets of Atria and One Lantern included in the historical consolidated financial information that Ventas is not purchasing and an adjustment to record the estimated increase over Atria's and One Lantern'sHCT's historical investment in real estate based upon the preliminary estimated fair value for the tangible and intangible real estate assets to be acquired. These estimated values are as follows (in millions):

              Land

               $608 

              Buildings and improvements

                2,470 

              Acquired lease intangibles

                125 

              Construction in progress

                55 
                  

              Estimated value of net real estate investments

               $3,258 
                  

              Land and improvements

               $266 

              Buildings and improvements

                2,219 

              Acquired lease intangibles

                225 
                  

              Estimated fair value of net real estate investments

               $2,710 
                  
                  
                (G)(E)
                Reflects adjustments to eliminate assets and liabilities of Atria and One Lantern included in the historical consolidated financial information that Ventas is not acquiring or assuming as part of the working capital consideration.

                (H)
                Represents the write-off of Atria's, One Lantern's and NHP'sHCT's historical deferred financing costs, which were not assigned any value in the preliminary purchase price allocation.

                Table of Contents


                VENTAS, INC.

                NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

                (Unaudited)

                NOTE 2—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Continued)

                (I)(F)
                Reflects adjustmentadjustments to eliminate other assets of Atria and One LanternHCT included in the historical consolidated financial information that Ventas is not acquiring as part of the working capital consideration, net of other acquired assets, primarily consisting of goodwill.approximately $150 million of other intangible assets.

                (G)
                Reflects the following adjustments (in millions):

              Write-off of HCT's historical fair value of debt adjustments

               $(4)

              Fair value of debt adjustment recorded in connection with the acquisition

                11 

              HCT debt anticipated to be repaid at closing

                (508)

              Anticipated borrowings under Ventas's unsecured revolving credit facility

                708 
                  

              Pro forma adjustment to debt

               $207 
                  
                  
              (H)
              Reflects adjustments to eliminate historical other liabilities of HCT that were not assigned any value in the preliminary purchase price allocation and the recording of approximately $31 million of various lease intangibles, which were recorded based on preliminary fair value calculations.

              (I)
              Reflects the adjustment to record the fair value of the redeemable OP unitholder interests, which are valued at a price of $11.33 per unit (the acquisition value of each share of HCT common stock at the time the acquisition was announced).

              (J)
              Reflects the write-off of HCT's historical equity, net of the issuance of 26.9 million shares of Ventas common stock in connection with the HCT acquisition, which are valued at $1.8 billion.

              (K)
              Reflects the adjustment to record the reclassification of HCT's historical noncontrolling interest value to redeemable OP unitholder interests.

              NOTE 3—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

              (L)
              Adjustments reflect the effect on Ventas's and HCT's historical consolidated statements of income of Ventas's and HCT's respective significant 2014 and 2013 transactions, as if those transactions were consummated on January 1, 2013. With respect to Ventas, these adjustments primarily relate to certain acquisitions and dispositions (including its August 2014 acquisition of 29 independent living seniors housing communities located in Canada) and debt repayments and issuances. With respect to HCT, these adjustments primarily relate to various asset acquisitions. Adjustments made to merger-related expenses and deal costs reflect the elimination of non-recurring expenses resulting from Ventas's and HCT's 2014 and 2013 acquisitions that are assumed, for purposes of these unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements, to have occurred on January 1, 2013. Such expenses include legal and professional fees, title insurance fees, recording fees and certain taxes, none of which is considered material individually or in the aggregate.

              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 3—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Continued)

              (M)
              Reflects the net amortization of above and below market lease intangibles recorded by Ventas as a result of the HCT acquisition and the elimination of HCT's historical amortization related to above and below market lease intangibles.

              (N)
              Reflects the elimination of HCT's historical revenues attributable to assets that Ventas is not acquiring as part of the acquisition.

              (O)
              Reflects the following adjustments (in millions):

               
               For the Six
              Months Ended
              June 30, 2014
               For the
              Year Ended
              December 31, 2013
               

              Write-off of HCT's historical fair value of debt adjustments

               $1 $1 

              Fair value of debt adjustment recorded in connection with the acquisition

                (2) (4)

              HCT debt anticipated to be repaid at closing

                (3) (1)

              Anticipated borrowings under Ventas's unsecured revolving credit facility

                5  10 

              Write-off of HCT's deferred financing costs

                (3) (4)
                    

              Pro forma adjustment to interest expense

               $(2)$2 
                    
                    

              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 3—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Continued)

              (P)
              Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, Ventas expects to allocate $266 million to land and $2.2 billion to buildings and improvements. Depreciation expense is calculated on a straight-line basis based on Ventas's purchase price allocation and using a 35-year life for buildings and permanent structural improvements, a five-year life for furniture and equipment and a ten-year life for land improvements. Additionally, Ventas's purchase price allocation includes $180 million of acquired in-place lease intangibles. Further, the adjustment reflects the elimination of historical depreciation and amortization expense relating to the merger, as follows:

              HCT Acquisition Adjustments 
              Asset Category
               Weighted
              Average
              Useful Life
              (Years)
               For the Six
              Months
              Ended
              June 30,
              2014
               For the
              Year Ended
              December 31,
              2013
               
               
                
               (In thousands)
               

              Elimination of HCT's historical and pro forma depreciation and amortization

                N/A $(67,959)$(128,039)

              Ventas's HCT Acquisition Adjustments for depreciation and amortization, by asset type:

                        

              — Site improvements

                9.1  4,238  8,475 

              — Building and improvements

                33.3  31,907  63,813 

              — Furniture and equipment

                5.0  2,778  5,558 

              — In-place lease intangibles

                6.6  10,516  55,153 
                      

              Total

                N/A  49,439  132,999 
                      

              Adjustment for depreciation and amortization

                N/A $(18,520)$4,960 
                      
              (Q)
              Reflects the elimination of costs and fees directly attributable to the merger and fees associated with the ultimate disposition of HCT's assets. The $71.1 million represents (i) a $58.2 million fair value adjustment of the Listing Note (as disclosed in Note 10 to HCT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014), and (ii) $12.9 million of asset management expenses paid by HCT to a related party (as disclosed in Note 15 to HCT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014).

              (R)
              Reflects the elimination of HCT's noncontrolling interest that Ventas is not acquiring as part of the acquisition.

              (S)
              Reflects the issuance of 26.9 million shares of Ventas common stock upon consummation of the HCT acquisition, including the impact of redeemable OP units issued on the acquisition date.

              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 4—FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS AND NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

                      Ventas's historical and pro forma FFO and normalized FFO for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


              VENTAS, INC.
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FFO AND NORMALIZED FFO
              For the six months ended June 30, 2014
              (In thousands, except per share amounts)

               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Ventas 2014
              Transactions
              Adjustments
               Pro Forma for
              Ventas 2014
              Transactions
               HCT
              Historical
               HCT 2014
              Transactions
              Adjustments
               Pro Forma for
              HCT 2014
              Transactions
               HCT
              Acquisition
              Adjustments
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

               $256,669 $(13,663)$243,006 $(104,324)$7,934 $(96,390)$90,524 $237,140 

              Discontinued operations

                2,776  (854) 1,922          1,922 
                                

              Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

                259,445  (14,517) 244,928  (104,324) 7,934  (96,390) 90,524  239,062 

              Adjustments:

                                       

              Real estate depreciation and amortization

                381,262  29,424  410,686  60,523  7,303  67,826  (18,520) 459,992 

              Real estate depreciation related to noncontrolling interest

                (5,305)   (5,305)         (5,305)

              Real estate depreciation related to unconsolidated entities

                2,989    2,989          2,989 

              (Gain) loss on real estate dispositions, net

                (12,889) 14,771  1,882          1,882 

              Discontinued operations:

                                       

              Gain on real estate dispositions, net

                (1,483) 1,058  (425)         (425)

              Depreciation on real estate assets

                1,528  (159) 1,369          1,369 
                                

              FFO

                625,547  30,577  656,124  (43,801) 15,237  (28,564) 72,004  699,564 

              Adjustments:

                                       

              Change in fair value of financial instruments

                41    41          41 

              Income tax expense

                6,407    6,407          6,407 

              Loss on extinguishment of debt, net

                2,114  (243) 1,871          1,871 

              Merger-related expenses and deal costs

                20,363  (8,398) 11,965  25,878  (6,428) 19,450    31,415 

              Amortization of other intangibles

                511    511          511 
                                

              Normalized FFO

               $654,983 $21,936 $676,919 $(17,923)$8,809 $(9,114)$72,004 $739,809 
                                
                                

              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 4—FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS AND NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (Continued)

                      Ventas's historical and pro forma FFO and normalized FFO per diluted share outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2014 follows (in thousands, except per share amounts)(1):

               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

               $0.87 $0.73 

              Discontinued operations

                0.01  0.01 
                    

              Net income attributable to common stockholders

                0.88  0.74 

              Adjustments:

                     

              Real estate depreciation and amortization

                1.29  1.42 

              Real estate depreciation related to noncontrolling interest

                (0.02) (0.02)

              Real estate depreciation related to unconsolidated entities

                0.01  0.01 

              (Gain) loss on real estate dispositions, net

                (0.04) 0.01 

              Discontinued operations:

                     

              Gain on real estate dispositions, net

                (0.01) (0.00)

              Depreciation on real estate assets

                0.01  0.00 
                    

              FFO

                2.11  2.16 

              Adjustments:

                     

              Change in fair value of financial instruments

                0.00  0.00 

              Income tax expense

                0.02  0.02 

              Loss on extinguishment of debt, net

                0.01  0.01 

              Merger-related expenses and deal costs

                0.07  0.10 

              Amortization of other intangibles

                0.00  0.00 
                    

              Normalized FFO

               $2.21 $2.29 
                    
                    

              Dilutive shares outstanding used in computing FFO and normalized FFO per common share

                296,369  323,283 

              (1)
              Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 2—ADJUSTMENTS TO 4—FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS AND NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (Continued)

              VENTAS, INC.
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Continued)FFO AND NORMALIZED FFO
              For the year ended December 31, 2013
              (In thousands, except per share amounts)

                (J)
                Represents the following adjustments (in millions):

              Write-off Atria's and One Lantern's historical fair market value of debt adjustment

               $29 

              Fair market value of debt adjustment recorded in connection with the acquisition

                49 

              Debt not assumed as part of the acquisition included in the historical consolidated financial information

                (58)

              Net adjustment allocated for the acquired capital lease obligations

                26 

              Atria and/or One Lantern debt anticipated to be repaid at closing

                (176)

              Anticipated borrowings on unsecured revolving credit facility(1)

                386 

              Ventas debt repaid with proceeds from its February 2011 equity issuance

                (307)
                  

              Pro forma adjustment to debt

               $(51)
                  
               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Ventas 2014
              and 2013
              Transactions
              Adjustments
               Pro Forma
              for Ventas
              2014 and
              2013
              Transactions
               HCT
              Historical
               HCT 2014
              and 2013
              Transactions
              Adjustments
               Pro Forma
              for HCT 2014
              and 2013
              Transactions
               HCT
              Acquisition
              Adjustments
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

               $488,930 $(2,000)$486,930 $(22,230)$19,304 $(2,926)$(6,371)$477,633 

              Discontinued operations

                (35,421) 2,154  (33,267)         (33,267)
                                

              Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

                453,509  154  453,663  (22,230) 19,304  (2,926) (6,371) 444,366 

              Adjustments:

                                       

              Real estate depreciation and amortization

                716,412  108,216  824,628  66,975  60,583  127,558  4,960  957,146 

              Real estate depreciation related to noncontrolling interest

                (10,512)   (10,512)         (10,512)

              Real estate depreciation related to unconsolidated entities

                6,543    6,543          6,543 

              Gain on re-measurement of equity interest upon acquisition, net

                (1,241)   (1,241)         (1,241)

              Gain on real estate dispositions, net

                  (14,771) (14,771)         (14,771)

              Discontinued operations:

                                       

              Gain on real estate dispositions, net

                (4,059) 1,262  (2,797)         (2,797)

              Depreciation on real estate assets

                47,806  (2,892) 44,914          44,914 
                                

              FFO

                1,208,458  91,969  1,300,427  44,745  79,887  124,632  (1,411) 1,423,648 

              Adjustments:

                                       

              Change in fair value of financial instruments

                449    449          449 

              Income tax benefit

                (11,828)   (11,828)         (11,828)

              Loss on extinguishment of debt, net

                1,048  243  1,291          1,291 

              Merger-related expenses and deal costs

                21,560  (7,276) 14,284  13,606  (15,239) (1,633)   12,651 

              Amortization of other intangibles

                1,022    1,022          1,022 
                                

              Normalized FFO

               $1,220,709 $84,936 $1,305,645 $58,351 $64,648 $122,999 $(1,411)$1,427,233 
                                
                                

              (1)
              Borrowings are comprised of $150 million of cash to be paid at closing, $176 million for the Atria and/or One Lantern debt anticipated to be repaid at closing and $60 million for estimated transaction and debt extinguishment costs to be paid related to the Atria and One Lantern acquisition.
                (K)
                Reflects adjustment to eliminate other liabilities of Atria and One Lantern included in the historical consolidated financial information that Ventas is not assuming as part of the working capital consideration, offset by approximately $40.2 million of a contingent consideration liability, which is based on the preliminary fair value calculations.

                (L)
                Represents the write-off of Atria's historical deferred income tax liability, which was not assigned any value in the allocation of the acquisition, offset by Ventas's estimate of approximately $39.9 million for its deferred tax liability associated with the step up to fair value for book purposes of the Atria and One Lantern assets acquired by a wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary of Ventas (difference between book and tax bases).

                (M)
                Represents the write-off of Atria's and One Lantern's historical equity, net of the issuance of 24.96 million shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in connection with the Atria acquisition, which was valued at $1.35 billion at the time of the announcement of the transaction, and proceeds received from Ventas's February 2011 equity issuance of approximately $300 million. Additionally, the adjustment includes a reduction of stockholders' equity in the amount of $60 million for the estimated transaction and debt extinguishment costs to be paid related to the Atria and One Lantern acquisition.

                (N)
                Reflects the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in One Lantern by Ventas as part of the transaction consideration.

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              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 2—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Continued)

                (O)
                Reflects adjustment to record the estimated increase over NHP's historical investment in real estate based upon the preliminary estimated fair value for the tangible and intangible real estate assets to be acquired. Additionally, certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP has been eliminated. These estimated values and eliminations are as follows (in millions):

              Land

               $1,287 

              Buildings and improvements

                5,653 

              Acquired lease intangibles

                418 

              Construction in progress

                18 

              Loans receivable

                310 

              Investments in unconsolidated entities

                85 

              Elimination of Atria and One Lantern assets leased from NHP that were classified as capital lease assets

                (361)
                  

              Pro forma adjustment to net real estate investments

               $7,410 
                  
                (P)
                Reflects the net cash proceeds NHP received in January 2011 from the sale of a skilled nursing facility that was reflected as held for sale at December 31, 2010.

                (Q)
                Reflects the elimination of certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP.

                (R)
                Reflects adjustment to eliminate historical other assets of NHP that were not assigned any value in the preliminary purchase price allocation, the elimination of the asset held for sale at December 31, 2010 that was subsequently sold by NHP in January 2011 and the elimination of certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP, net of other acquired assets, primarily consisting of other intangible assets.

                (S)
                Represents the following adjustments (in millions):

              Fair market value of debt adjustment allocated for the acquisition

               $66 

              Borrowings on unsecured revolving credit facility for estimated transaction costs to be paid related to the NHP acquisition

                100 

              Elimination of promissory note between Atria and NHP

                (23)

              Elimination of capital lease obligations between Atria, One Lantern and NHP

                (207)
                  

              Pro forma adjustment to debt

               $(64)
                  
                (T)
                Reflects adjustment to eliminate historical other liabilities of NHP that were not assigned any value in the preliminary purchase price allocation, the elimination of certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP and the recording of approximately

              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 2—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Continued)

                  $434.8 million of various lease intangibles, which primarily include below market operating lease intangibles, all of which are based on the preliminary fair value calculations.

                (U)
                Represents the adjustment to record the fair market value of the redeemable OP unitholder interests, which are valued at a price of $44.99 per unit (the acquisition value of each share of NHP common stock at the time the acquisition was announced).

                (V)
                Represents the adjustment to convert NHP's historical equity into Ventas common stock, which was valued at a price of $44.99 per common share at the time the acquisition was announced. Additionally, the adjustment includes a reduction of stockholders' equity in the amount of $100 million for the estimated transaction costs to be paid related to the NHP acquisition.

                (W)
                Reflects the adjustment to record the estimated increase over NHP's historical noncontrolling interest value based upon the preliminary estimated fair value of the noncontrolling interest.

              NOTE 3—VENTAS AND NHP 2010 TRANSACTIONS ADJUSTMENTS

                (X)
                Adjustments reflect the effect on Ventas's and NHP's historical consolidated statements of income and shares used in computing earnings per common share as if Ventas or NHP had consummated its significant 2010 transactions on January 1, 2010. With respect to Ventas, these adjustments primarily relate to the recording of income statement activity specific to the acquisition of Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc. and the acquisition of Sunrise Senior Living, Inc.'s noncontrolling interest in certain consolidated entities, and adjusting interest expense for a $200 million term loan with Bank of America, N.A. and a $400 million 3.125% senior notes issuance, assuming all transactions occurred on January 1, 2010. With respect to NHP, the adjustments primarily relate to the recording of income statement activity for 2010 acquisitions (49 properties subject to triple-net leases and 20 multi-tenant medical office buildings), adjusting income from loans and other investments for the funding/acquisition of five new mortgage loans, adjusting interest expense for the prepayment of $118.3 million of secured debt and $175 million of credit facility borrowings and adjusting shares used in computing earnings per share for equity issuances, assuming all transactions occurred on January 1, 2010.

              NOTE 4—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                (Y)
                Reflects adjustments to eliminate historical revenues and expenses of Atria and One Lantern attributable to assets or liabilities that Ventas is not acquiring or assuming as part of the acquisition.

              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 4—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEFUNDS FROM OPERATIONS AND NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (Continued)

                (Z)
                Represents

                        Ventas's historical and pro forma FFO and normalized FFO per diluted share outstanding for the following adjustmentsyear ended December 31, 2013 follows (in millions)thousands, except per share amounts)(1):

               
               Ventas
              Historical
               Total
              Pro Forma
               

              Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

               $1.66 $1.48 

              Discontinued operations

                (0.12) (0.10)
                    

              Net income attributable to common stockholders

                1.54  1.38 

              Adjustments:

                     

              Real estate depreciation and amortization

                2.43  2.97 

              Real estate depreciation related to noncontrolling interest

                (0.04) (0.03)

              Real estate depreciation related to unconsolidated entities

                0.02  0.02 

              Gain on re-measurement of equity interest upon acquisition, net

                (0.00) (0.00)

              Gain on real estate dispositions, net

                  (0.05)

              Discontinued operations:

                     

              Gain on real estate dispositions, net

                (0.01) (0.01)

              Depreciation on real estate assets

                0.16  0.14 
                    

              FFO

                4.09  4.42 

              Adjustments:

                     

              Change in fair value of financial instruments

                0.00  0.00 

              Income tax benefit

                (0.04) (0.04)

              Loss on extinguishment of debt, net

                0.00  0.00 

              Merger-related expenses and deal costs

                0.07  0.04 

              Amortization of other intangibles

                0.00  0.00 
                    

              Normalized FFO

               $4.14 $4.43 
                    
                    

              Dilutive shares outstanding used in computing FFO and normalized FFO per common share

                295,110  322,024 

               
               For the Year
              Ended
              December 31,
              2010
               

              Elimination of historical interest expense on debt not assumed as part of the acquisition

               $(5)

              Fair market value of debt adjustment allocated for the acquisition

                (14)

              Elimination of historical interest related to Atria and/or One Lantern deferred financing fees

                (4)

              Elimination of Atria's and/or One Lantern's historical interest expense on debt anticipated to be repaid at closing

                (13)

              Additional interest expense on borrowings on unsecured revolving credit facility

                13 

              Ventas debt repaid with proceeds from its February 2011 equity issuance

                (19)

              Net adjustment allocated for the acquired capital lease obligations

                (5)
                  

              Pro forma adjustment to interest

               $(47)
                  
                (AA)(1)
                Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, Ventas expectsPer share amounts may not add due to allocate $608 million to landrounding.

                      Unaudited pro forma FFO and $2.5 billion to buildingsnormalized FFO are presented herein for informational purposes only and improvements. Depreciation expense is calculated on a straight line basisare based on available information and assumptions that the Company's management believes to be reasonable; however, they are not necessarily indicative of what Ventas's purchase price allocation and using a 35-year life for buildings and permanent structural improvements, a five-year life for furniture and equipment and a 10-year life for land improvements. Additionally, Ventas's purchase price allocation includes $101 million of acquired in-place lease intangibles, which will be amortized overFFO or normalized FFO actually would have been assuming the average life of these leases (approximately one year). Further, the adjustment reflects the elimination of historical depreciation expense related to assets Ventas is not acquiring.

              (BB)
              Reflects adjustments to eliminate historical expenses of Atria and One Lantern attributable to assets or liabilities that Ventas is not acquiring or assumingtransactions had occurred as part of the acquisition, offsetdates indicated.

                      Historical cost accounting for real estate assets implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. However, since real estate values historically have risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors deem presentations of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by the 5% management fee Ventas will be paying to Atria for management services related to the acquired communities.

              (CC)
              Reflects adjustments to eliminate the historical tax benefit of Atria, offset by the estimated tax benefit Ventas expects to recognize due to the acquisition.

              (DD)
              Reflects the issuance of 24.96 million shares of Ventas common stock at the Atria and One Lantern acquisition closing and Ventas's February 2011 equity issuance of 5.6 million shares.

              (EE)
              Reflects the net amortization of above and below market lease intangibles recorded by Ventas as a result of the NHP acquisition and the elimination of certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP.
              themselves. To overcome this


              Table of Contents


              VENTAS, INC.

              NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

              (Unaudited)

              NOTE 4—ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Continued)

                (FF)
                Reflects the net amortization of above and below market lease intangibles recorded by Ventas as a result of the NHP acquisition and the elimination of NHP's historical amortization related to above and below market lease intangibles.

                (GG)
                Reflects adjustments to eliminate revenues and expenses of NHP attributable to assets or liabilities that Ventas is not acquiring or assuming as part of the acquisition and the elimination of certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP.

                (HH)
                Represents the following adjustments (in millions):

               
               For the Year
              Ended
              December 31,
              2010
               

              Fair market value of debt adjustment allocated for the acquisition

               $(26)

              Elimination of historical interest expense related to NHP deferred financing fees

                (4)

              Elimination of interest expense from a promissory note between Atria and NHP

                (1)

              Elimination of Atria and One Lantern capital lease obligation interest

                (10)

              Additional interest on borrowings on unsecured revolving credit facility

                3 
                  

              Pro forma adjustment to interest

               $(38)
                  
                (II)
                Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, Ventas expects to allocate $1.3 billion to land and $5.7 billion to buildings and improvements. Depreciation expense is calculated on a straight line basis based on Ventas's purchase price allocation and using an average 34-year life for buildings and permanent structural improvements, a five-year life for furniture and equipment, an average eight-year life for land improvements and an average four-year life for tenant improvements. Additionally, Ventas's purchase price allocation includes $261 million of in-place acquired lease intangibles, which will be amortized over the average remaining life of these leases. Further, the adjustment reflects the elimination of certain intercompany activity between Atria, One Lantern and NHP.

                (JJ)
                Reflects adjustment to eliminate gains and expenses of NHP attributable to transactions that would not have occurred had the acquisition closed on January 1, 2010.

                (KK)
                Reflects the adjustment to record the estimated increase over NHP's historical income related to the various joint venture entities as a result of the preliminary estimated fair value for the assets and liabilities acquired that will be depreciated and amortized over the estimated remaining useful life.

                (LL)
                Reflects the conversion of NHP common stock to Ventas common stock at the exchange ratio of 0.7866.

                Table of Contents

                VENTAS, INC.
                NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
                (Unaudited)

                NOTE 5—FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS AND NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

                        Ventas's historical and pro forma FFO and normalized FFO for the year ended December 31, 2010 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

                 
                 Ventas
                Historical
                 Ventas 2010
                Transactions
                Adjustments(X)
                 Pro Forma
                for Ventas
                2010
                Transactions
                 Atria
                Historical(A)
                 One Lantern
                Historical(B)
                 Atria and
                One Lantern
                Acquisition
                Adjustments(C)
                 Ventas
                Pro Forma for
                the Atria and
                One Lantern
                Acquisition
                 NHP
                Historical(D)
                 NHP 2010
                Transactions
                Adjustments(X)
                 Pro Forma for
                NHP 2010
                Transactions
                 NHP Acquisition
                Adjustments(E)
                 Total Pro Forma 

                Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

                 $218,370 $(6,866)$211,504 $(20,985)$(27,212)$(22,994)$140,313 $138,867 $21,824 $160,691 $(54,367)$246,637 

                Discontinued operations

                  27,797  (2,556) 25,241        25,241  4,899  (3,836) 1,063    26,304 
                                          

                Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

                  246,167  (9,422) 236,745  (20,985) (27,212) (22,994) 165,554  143,766  17,988  161,754  (54,367) 272,941 

                Adjustments:

                                                     
                 

                Real estate depreciation and amortization

                  203,966  14,845  218,811  52,138  22,663  109,093  402,705  133,992  18,276  152,268  108,859  663,832 
                 

                Real estate depreciation and amortization related to noncontrolling interest

                  (6,217)   (6,217)       (6,217) (1,099) (2,005) (3,104) (2,656) (11,977)
                 

                Real estate depreciation and amortization related to unconsolidated entities

                  2,367  2,367  4,734        4,734  4,793    4,793  878  10,405 
                 

                Discontinued operations:

                                                     
                  

                Gain on sale of real estate assets

                  (25,241)   (25,241)       (25,241) (16,948)   (16,948)   (42,189)
                  

                Depreciation on real estate assets

                  464  (464)           2,352  (1,473) 879    879 
                                          

                FFO

                  421,506  7,326  428,832  31,153  (4,549) 86,099  541,535  266,856  32,786  299,642  52,714  893,891 

                Adjustments:

                                                     
                 

                Income tax expense (benefit)

                  2,930  39  2,969  (7,560)   (32,303) (36,894)         (36,894)
                 

                Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt

                  9,791    9,791  2    (2) 9,791  (75)   (75) 75  9,791 
                 

                Merger-related expenses and deal costs

                  19,243    19,243        19,243  5,118    5,118    24,361 
                 

                Loss on interest rate swap

                          16,020    16,020          16,020 
                 

                Amortization of other intangibles

                  511  511  1,022        1,022          1,022 
                 

                Gain on re-measurement of equity interest upon acquisition, net

                                (620)   (620)   (620)
                 

                Impairments

                                15,006    15,006    15,006 
                                          

                Normalized FFO

                 $453,981 $7,876 $461,857 $23,595 $11,471 $53,794 $550,717 $286,285 $32,786 $319,071 $52,789 $922,577 
                                          

                Table of Contents


                VENTAS, INC.

                NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                (Unaudited)

                NOTE 5—FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS AND NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (Continued)

                        Ventas's historical and pro forma FFO and normalized FFO per diluted share outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2010 follows (in thousands, except per share amounts)(1):

                 
                 Ventas
                Historical
                 Ventas Pro
                Forma for the
                Atria and One
                Lantern
                Acquisition
                 NHP
                Historical(D)
                 Total Pro
                Forma
                 

                Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders

                 $1.39 $0.75 $1.12 $0.85 

                Discontinued operations

                  0.18  0.13  0.04  0.09 
                          

                Net income attributable to common stockholders

                  1.56  0.88  1.15  0.94 

                Adjustments:

                             
                 

                Real estate depreciation and amortization

                  1.29  2.14  1.08  2.29 
                 

                Real estate depreciation related to noncontrolling interest

                  (0.04) (0.03) (0.01) (0.04)
                 

                Real estate depreciation and amortization related to unconsolidated entities

                  0.02  0.03  0.04  0.04 
                 

                Discontinued operations:

                             
                  

                Gain on sale of real estate assets

                  (0.16) (0.13) (0.14) (0.15)
                  

                Depreciation on real estate assets

                  0.00    0.02  0.00 
                          

                FFO

                  2.67  2.88  2.14  3.09 

                Adjustments:

                             
                 

                Income tax expense (benefit)

                  0.02  (0.20)   (0.13)
                 

                Loss on extinguishment of debt

                  0.06  0.05  (0.00) 0.03 
                 

                Merger-related expenses and deal costs

                  0.12  0.10  0.04  0.08 
                 

                Loss on interest rate swap

                    0.09    0.06 
                 

                Amortization of other intangibles

                  0.00  0.01    0.00 
                 

                Gain on re-measurement of equity interest upon acquisition, net

                      (0.00) (0.00)
                 

                Impairments

                      0.12  0.05 
                          

                Normalized FFO

                 $2.88 $2.93 $2.30 $3.18 
                          

                Diluted shares outstanding used in computing FFO and normalized FFO per common share

                  157,657  188,179  124,514  289,746 

                (1)
                Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

                        Pro forma FFO and normalized FFO are presented for information purposes only, and were based on available information and assumptions that Ventas's management believes to be reasonable; however, they are not necessarily indicative of what Ventas's FFO or normalized FFO actually would have been assuming the transactions had occurred as of the dates indicated.


                Table of Contents


                VENTAS, INC.

                NOTES AND MANAGEMENT'S ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

                (Unaudited)

                NOTE 5—FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS AND NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (Continued)

                        Historical cost accounting for real estate assets implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values, instead, have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors have considered presentations of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. To overcome this problem, Ventas considers FFO and normalized FFO to be appropriate measures of operating performance of an equity REIT. Further,In particular, Ventas believes that normalized FFO providesis useful information because it allows investors, analysts and Ventas management to compare Ventas's operating performance to the operating performance of other real estate companies and between periods on a consistent basis without having to account for differences caused by unanticipated items.items and other events such as transactions and litigation. In some cases, Ventas provides information about identified non-cash components of FFO and normalized FFO because it allows investors, analysts and Ventas management to assess the impact of those items on Ventas's financial results.

                        Ventas uses the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, which we refer to as NAREIT, definition of FFO. NAREIT defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of real estate property, including gain on re-measurement of equity method investments, and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures arewill be calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis. Ventas defines "normalized FFO"normalized FFO as FFO excluding the following income and expense items (which may be recurring in nature): (a) gains and losses on the sales of real property assets; (b) merger-related costs and expenses, including amortization of intangibles, and transition and integration expenses, and deal costs and expenses, including expenses and recoveries if any, relating to Ventas's lawsuit against HCP, Inc.; (c)the Company's acquisition lawsuits; (b) the impact of any expenses related to asset impairment and valuationsvaluation allowances, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees, or additional costs, expenses, discounts, make-whole payments, penalties or premiums incurred as a result of early retirement or payment of Ventas'sthe Company's debt; (d)(c) the non-cash effect of income tax benefits or expenses; (e)expenses and derivative transactions that have non-cash mark-to-market impacts on the Company's consolidated statements of income; (d) the impact of future unannounced acquisitions or divestitures (including pursuant to tenant options to purchase) and capital transactions; (f)(e) the financial impact of contingent consideration, severance-related costs, charitable donations made to the Ventas Charitable Foundation, gains and losses for non-operational foreign currency hedge agreements and changes in the non-operational hedge agreements;fair value of financial instruments; and (g) any gains or losses on re-measurement(f) expenses related to the re-audit and re-review of equity interests upon acquisition.the Company's historical financial statements and related matters.

                        FFO and normalized FFO presented herein aremay not necessarilybe identical to FFO and normalized FFO presented by other real estate companies due to the fact that not all real estate companies use the same definitions. FFO and normalized FFO should not be considered as alternatives to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as indicators of Ventas's financial performance or as alternatives to cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as measures of Ventas's liquidity, nor is FFO and normalized FFO necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of Ventas's needs. Ventas believes that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of Ventas's consolidated historical operating results, FFO and normalized FFO should be examined in conjunction with net income as presented in the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.


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                COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF VENTAS STOCKHOLDERS
                AND DIVIDENDSHCT STOCKHOLDERS

                General

                        The rights of HCT stockholders are governed by the MGCL and HCT's charter and bylaws, and the rights of Ventas stockholders are governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law, which we refer to as the DGCL, Ventas's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, which we refer to as the Ventas Charter, and Ventas's Fourth Amended and Restated By-Laws, as amended, which we refer to as the Ventas Bylaws. As a result of the merger, HCT stockholders who receive shares of Ventas common stock as merger consideration will become stockholders of Ventas and, NHP common stock are traded onaccordingly, their rights will be governed by the NYSE underDGCL, the symbols "VTR"Ventas Charter and "NHP", respectively.the Ventas Bylaws. The following table presents trading information for Ventas common stock and NHP common stock on February 25, 2011, the last trading day before the executionis a summary of the merger agreement, and [    •    ], 2011, the latest practicable trading day beforematerial differences as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

                 
                 VTR Common Stock NHP Common Stock 
                Date High Low Close High Low Close 

                February 25, 2011

                 $57.24 $56.34 $57.19 $38.96 $38.09 $38.96 

                [•], 2011

                 $[        ] $[        ] $[        ] $[        ] $[        ] $[        ] 

                        For illustrative purposes,prospectus between the following table provides NHP equivalent per share information on eachrights of HCT stockholders and the specified dates. NHP equivalent per share amounts are calculated by multiplyingrights of Ventas per share amounts bystockholders. These differences arise from differences between the exchange ratiorespective charters and bylaws of 0.7866.HCT and Ventas and differences between the DGCL and the MGCL.

                 
                 VTR Common Stock NHP Equivalent Per Share 
                Date High Low Close High Low Close 

                February 25, 2011

                 $57.24 $56.34 $57.19 $45.02 $44.32 $44.99 

                [•], 2011

                 $[        ] $[        ] $[        ] $[        ] $[        ] $[        ] 


                Market PricesCertain Differences between the Rights of Ventas Stockholders and Dividend DataHCT Stockholders

                        The following tables set forthchart is only a summary of certain material differences between the high and low sales pricesrights of Ventas common stockstockholders and NHP common stock as reported onHCT stockholders and does not purport to be a complete description of all of the NYSE,differences. Please consult the MGCL, the DGCL, and the quarterly cash dividends declared per share,respective charters and bylaws, each as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, of Ventas and HCT for eacha more complete understanding of the quarterly periods indicated.

                Ventasthese differences.

                 
                 High Low Dividend 

                2009

                          

                First Quarter

                 $33.49 $19.13 $0.5125 

                Second Quarter

                  32.40  21.66  0.5125 

                Third Quarter

                  40.23  27.41  0.5125 

                Fourth Quarter

                  44.91  36.19  0.5125 

                2010

                          

                First Quarter

                 $49.24 $40.36 $0.535 

                Second Quarter

                  50.33  43.14  0.535 

                Third Quarter

                  53.89  45.77  0.535 

                Fourth Quarter

                  56.20  48.53  0.535 

                2011

                          

                First Quarter

                 $57.45 $50.98 $0.575 

                Second Quarter (through April 8, 2011)

                  54.74  53.31   
                VentasHCT
                Authorized Stock

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                Ventas is authorized to issue:


                HCT is authorized to issue:

                600,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.25 per share, of which [    ] shares were issued and outstanding as of [    ], 2014.


                300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which [    ] shares were issued and outstanding as of [    ], 2014.

                10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, of which no shares were issued and outstanding as of [    ], 2014.


                50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which no shares were issued and outstanding as of [    ], 2014.

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                VentasHCT
                Amendment of Charter

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote is required to amend the Ventas Charter, according to the DGCL. Under the DGCL, the holders of the outstanding shares of a class are entitled to vote as a class upon a proposed amendment, whether or not entitled to vote thereon by the certificate of incorporation, if the amendment would increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of such class, increase or decrease the par value of the shares of such class, or alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of such class so as to affect them adversely. If any proposed amendment would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of one or more series of any class so as to affect them adversely, but will not so affect the entire class, then only the shares of the series so affected by the amendment are considered a separate class for the purposes of this provision. Additionally, the Ventas Charter provides that the provisions on "Restrictions of Ownership and Transfer; Designation of Excess Shares" contained in Article IX of the Ventas Charter may be amended only by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.


                The approval of the HCT Board and the affirmative vote of a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter is required to amend the HCT charter (other than amendments to the charter that do not require stockholder approval under the MGCL, including a change in HCT's name, change in par value per share and an increase or decrease in the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of authorized shares of any class or series of stock of HCT). However, any amendment to the requirement that directors may be removed only for cause must be declared advisable by the HCT Board and approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

                Bylaws Amendments

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                The Ventas Bylaws may be amended (i) by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote in the election of directors or (ii) by action of the board of directors at a regular or special meeting thereof. Any bylaws made by the Ventas Board may be amended or repealed by action of the stockholders at any annual or special meeting of stockholders.


                The HCT bylaws provide that the HCT Board has the exclusive power to adopt, alter, or repeal any provisions of the bylaws and to make new bylaws.

                NHPTable of Contents

                 
                 High Low Dividend 

                2009

                          

                First Quarter

                 $28.81 $18.16 $0.44 

                Second Quarter

                  28.38  21.46  0.44 

                Third Quarter

                  33.79  24.23  0.44 

                Fourth Quarter

                  35.92  29.73  0.44 

                2010

                          

                First Quarter

                 $36.82 $31.43 $0.44 

                Second Quarter

                  37.33  30.91  0.45 

                Third Quarter

                  39.94  34.34  0.46 

                Fourth Quarter

                  41.48  33.55  0.47 

                2011

                          

                First Quarter

                 $44.05 $35.62 $0.48 

                Second Quarter (through April 8, 2011)

                  42.85  41.63   
                VentasHCT
                Number and Term of Directors

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                Currently, there are eleven directors on the Ventas Board.


                Currently, there are five directors on the HCT Board.

                The number of directors may be changed from time to time by a majority of the entire board of directors, but in no event will be less than three nor more than 13.


                The number of directors may be changed from time to time by a majority of the entire board of directors, but in no event will it be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL nor more than 15.

                Removal of Directors

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                The Ventas Bylaws provide that any director or the entire Ventas Board may be removed with or without cause, at any time, by the affirmative vote of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.


                The HCT charter provides that any director or the entire HCT Board may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and then only by affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors.

                Filling Vacancies on the Board

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                The Ventas Bylaws provide that if any vacancy occurs on the Ventas Board for any reason, including, but not limited to, the resignation, removal or death of a director or an increase in the number of authorized directors, a majority of the directors remaining in office, although less than a quorum, may elect a successor for the unexpired term and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.


                The HCT bylaws provide that any vacancy on the HCT Board may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred until a successor is elected and qualified.

                Limits on Ownership and Transfer of Shares

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                Except with regard to persons exempted by the Ventas Board, no person shall acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership in excess of 9.0% of the number or value of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock or in excess of 9.9% of the number or value of the outstanding shares of Ventas preferred stock. Any transfer of shares that would result in Ventas's shares being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons is void ab initio.


                Except with regard to persons exempted by the HCT Board, no person shall beneficially or constructively own shares of HCT in excess of 9.8% (in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the aggregate outstanding shares of any class or series of capital stock of HCT. In addition, no person may constructively own shares to the extent that it would result in HCT being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code. Any transfer of shares that would result in HCT's shares being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons is void ab initio.

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                VentasHCT
                Appraisal Rights

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                Under Delaware law, stockholders who dissent from a merger or consolidation of the corporation have the right to demand and receive payment of the fair value of their stock, as appraised by the Delaware Chancery Court; provided, however, that dissenters' rights are inapplicable (i) to stockholders of a surviving corporation whose vote is not required to approve the merger or consolidation, and (ii) to any class of stock listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders, unless, in either case, such stockholders are required in the merger to accept in exchange for their shares anything other than (1) shares of the surviving corporation or depository receipts in respect thereof, (2) stock of another corporation which is either listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 holders, or depository receipts in respect thereof, (3) cash in lieu of fractional shares or depository receipts of such corporations, or (4) or any combination of the above.


                Under Maryland law, dissenting holders may have, subject to satisfying certain procedures, the right to receive a cash payment representing the fair value of their shares of stock under certain circumstances. As permitted by the MGCL, however, HCT's charter includes a provision opting out of the appraisal rights statute, thereby precluding stockholders from exercising the rights of an "objecting stockholder" unless HCT's board of directors determines that appraisal rights apply, with respect to all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders would otherwise be entitled to exercise appraisal rights.

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                VentasHCT
                State Takeover Defense Statutes

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the time at which such person became an interested stockholder unless: (i) prior to such time, the board of directors approved either the business combination or transaction in which the stockholder became an interested stockholder; or (ii) upon becoming an interested stockholder, the stockholder owned at least 85% of the corporation's outstanding voting stock other than shares held by directors who are also officers and certain employee benefit plans; or (iii) the business combination is approved by both the board of directors and by holders of at least two-thirds of the corporation's outstanding voting stock (at a meeting and not by written consent), excluding shares owned by the interested stockholder. For these purposes, a "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other similar transactions with an "interested stockholder," and "interested stockholder" means a stockholder that, together with its affiliates and associates, owns (or, under certain circumstances, has owned within the prior three years) more than 15% of the outstanding voting stock. Although Section 203 permits a corporation to elect not to be governed by its provisions, Ventas has not made this election.


                Under the MGCL, certain "business combinations" (including a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange and, in certain circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation's outstanding voting stock, or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who beneficially owned 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation's then outstanding stock at any time within the preceding two years, in each case referred to as an "interested stockholder," or an affiliate thereof, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation and (ii) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder or its affiliates or associates. The super-majority vote requirements do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder or if the business combination satisfies certain minimum price, form-of-consideration and procedural requirements.



                As permitted by the MGCL, the HCT Board has by resolution exempted business combinations (1) between HCT and any person, provided that such business combination is first approved by the HCT Board (including a majority of directors who are not affiliates or associates of such person) and (2) between HCT and its sponsor, its advisor, its operating partnership or any of their respective affiliates. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to such business combinations.

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                VentasHCT
                HCT has opted out of the MGCL's control share acquisitions act.



                Under Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL (which we refer to as Subtitle 8), a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors may elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or by resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions: (i) a classified board, (ii) a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director, (iii) a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors, (iv) that any and all vacancies on the board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred, and (v) a majority requirement for the calling of a special meeting of stockholders.



                Pursuant to Subtitle 8, HCT has elected to provide that vacancies on its board may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors and any director elected to fill a vacancy may serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred. Through provisions in its charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, HCT already vests in its board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships.

                Exclusive Forum Provision

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                The Ventas Bylaws do not include an exclusive forum provision.


                HCT's bylaws provide that, unless the HCT Board consents in writing, derivative claims, breach of director or officer duty claims, claims pursuant to the MGCL or HCT's charter and bylaws and claims governed by the internal affairs doctrine must be brought in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland (or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division).

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                VentasHCT
                Exculpation and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

                Pre-Merger and Post-Merger:


                Pre-Merger:

                The Ventas Charter provides that Ventas will indemnify any person who (a) was or is made or threatened to be made a party to any proceeding because he or she is or was a Ventas director or officer, or (b) is or was serving at the request of Ventas as a director, officer, employee, trustee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all expenses, liabilities and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by him or her in connection with such proceeding.

                Expenses incurred by such a person in his or her capacity as one of Ventas's directors or officers (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer) in defending a proceeding may be paid by Ventas in advance of the final disposition as authorized by the Ventas Board in a specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of that person to repay such amounts, unless it is ultimately determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified as authorized by the DGCL. Expenses incurred by a person in any capacity other than as one of Ventas's officers or directors may be paid in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding on such terms and conditions, if any, as the Ventas Board deems appropriate.

                Pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, the Ventas Charter eliminates certain liability of its directors for breach of their fiduciary duty of care.


                HCT's charter contains a provision which eliminates its directors' and officers' liability for money damages to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. HCT's charter authorizes, and HCT's bylaws obligate, HCT to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of HCT and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity or (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of HCT and at the request of HCT, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.

                Copies of the charters and bylaws of Ventas and HCT are available, without charge, to any person, including any beneficial owner to whom this proxy statement/prospectus is delivered, by following the instructions set forth under "Where You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference."


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                DESCRIPTION OF VENTAS, INC. CAPITAL STOCK

                        The following discussion is a summary of the terms of the capital stock of Ventas and should be read in conjunction with "Comparison of Rights of Ventas Stockholders and NHPHCT Stockholders" beginning on page 118. This117. The summary isset forth below does not meantpurport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant provisions of Delaware lawthe DGCL, the Ventas Charter and Ventas's organizational documents.the Ventas Bylaws. You are urged to read those documents carefully. Copies of the Ventas charterCharter and the fourth amended and restated bylaws of Ventas which we refer to as the Ventas bylaws,Bylaws are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus as exhibits to the registration statement on Form S-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, and will be sent to stockholders of Ventas and NHP stockholdersHCT upon request. See "Where You Can Find More Information"Information; Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 131.127.


                Authorized Capital Stock

                        The Ventas charter provides thatCharter authorizes Ventas mayto issue up to 310,000,000610,000,000 shares of its capital stock, consisting of up to 300,000,000600,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.25 per share, and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of [            •    ], 2011,2014, [    •            ] shares of Ventas common stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of Ventas preferred stock were outstanding. If the proposed charter amendment is adopted, upon filing of the charter amendment with the Secretary of State of Delaware, the total number of authorized shares of Ventas capital stock will be increased from 310,000,000 to 610,000,000, the total number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock will be increased from 300,000,000 to 600,000,000issued and the total number of authorized shares of Ventas preferred stock will remain at 10,000,000 shares.outstanding. Ventas may issue additional shares of common stock from time to time in acquisitions and other transactions.

                        All outstanding shares of Ventas common stock are, and the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in connection with the merger will be, duly authorized, fully paid and non-assessable.


                Description of Ventas Common Stock

                        Subject to the preferential rights of any other shares of capital stock and to certain provisions of the Ventas charter,Charter, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive distributions if, as and when authorized and declared by the Ventas board of directorsBoard out of assets legally available therefor and to share ratably in Ventas's assets legally available for distribution to Ventas stockholders in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Ventas after payment of, or adequate provision for, all of Ventas's known debts and liabilities. Ventas currently expects to continue to make quarterly distributions, and from time to time it may make additional distributions.

                        Holders of shares of Ventas common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters on which the holders of common stock are entitled to vote. Holders of shares of Ventas common stock have no conversion, sinking fund, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of Ventas securities. Subject to certain provisions of the Ventas charter,Charter, shares of Ventas common stock have equal distribution, liquidation and other rights.


                Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions

                        In order to preserve Ventas's ability to maintain REIT status, the Ventas charterCharter provides that if a person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 9%, in number or value, of the outstanding shares of Ventas common stock or beneficial ownership of more than 9.9%, in number or value, of the outstanding shares of Ventas preferred stock, the shares that are beneficially owned in excess of such 9% limitlimits are considered to be "excess shares." Excess shares are automatically deemed transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable institution or other qualifying organization selected by the Ventas board of directors.Board. The trust is entitled to all dividends with respect to the excess shares and the trustee may exercise all voting power over the excess shares. Ventas has the right to buy the excess shares for a purchase price equal to the


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                lesser of (1) the price per share in the transaction that created the excess shares, or (2) the market price on the date Ventas buys the shares, and itVentas may defer payment of the purchase price for up to five years. If Ventas does not purchase the excess shares, the trustee of the trust is required to transfer the excess shares at the direction of the Ventas board of directors.Board. The owner of the


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                excess shares is entitled to receive the lesser of the proceeds from the sale of the excess shares or the original purchase price for such excess shares, and any additional amounts are payable to the beneficiary of the trust. Ventas's board of directorsThe Ventas Board may grant waivers from the excess share limitations.


                Transfer Agent and Registrar

                        The transfer agent and registrar for Ventas common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.


                New York Stock Exchange Listing

                        Ventas common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol "VTR." It is a condition to the completion of the merger that the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in connection with the merger be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.


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                COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF VENTAS STOCKHOLDERS
                AND NHP STOCKHOLDERS

                        If the merger is consummated, stockholders of NHP will become stockholders of Ventas. The rights of Ventas stockholders are governed by and subject to the provisions of Delaware law and the charter and bylaws of Ventas, rather than the provisions of Maryland law and the charter and bylaws of NHP. The following is a summary of the material differences between the rights of holders of Ventas common stock and the rights of holders of NHP common stock, but does not purport to be a complete description of those differences or a complete description of the terms of the Ventas common stock subject to issuance in connection with the merger. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant provisions of (i) Delaware law, (ii) Maryland law, (iii) the Ventas charter, (iv) the Articles of Restatement of NHP, which we refer to as the NHP charter, (v) the Ventas bylaws, (vi) the amended and restated bylaws of NHP, which we refer to as the NHP bylaws, and (vii) the description of Ventas common stock contained in Ventas's Form 8-A filed with the Commission on January 23, 1992, and any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description.

                        This section does not include a complete description of all differences among the rights of Ventas stockholders and NHP stockholders, nor does it include a complete description of the specific rights of such holders. Furthermore, the identification of some of the differences in the rights of such holders as material is not intended to indicate that other differences that may be equally important do not exist. You are urged to read carefully the relevant provisions of Delaware law and Maryland law, as well as the governing corporate instruments of each of Ventas and NHP, copies of which are available, without charge, to any person, including any beneficial owner to whom this joint proxy statement/prospectus is delivered, by following the instructions listed under "Where You Can Find More Information," beginning on page 131.


                Authorized Capital Stock

                Ventas

                        Ventas is currently authorized under the Ventas charter to issue up to 310,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of up to 300,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.25 par value per share, and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share. If the proposed charter amendment is approved, upon filing of the charter amendment with the Secretary of State of Delaware, the total number of authorized shares of Ventas capital stock will be increased from 310,000,000 to 610,000,000, the total number of authorized shares of Ventas common stock will be increased from 300,000,000 to 600,000,000, and the total number of authorized shares of Ventas preferred stock will remain at 10,000,000 shares.

                        Common Stock.    Under the Ventas charter, each share of Ventas common stock, including those to be issued in connection with the merger, entitles the holder thereof to one vote per share on all matters duly submitted to stockholders for their vote or consent.

                        Preferred Stock.    Under the Ventas charter, the Ventas board of directors is authorized, without stockholder action, to issue preferred stock from time to time and to establish the designations, preferences and relative, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, as well as to establish and fix variations in the relative rights as between holders of any one or more series thereof. As of [    •    ], 2011, there were no shares of Ventas preferred stock outstanding.


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                NHP

                        NHP is authorized under the NHP charter to issue an aggregate of 205,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.10 par value per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share.

                        Common Stock.    Under the NHP charter, the holders of NHP common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters duly submitted to stockholders for their vote or consent.

                        Preferred Stock.    Under the NHP charter and subject to limitations prescribed by Maryland law, the NHP board of directors is authorized, without stockholder action, to issue preferred stock, which we refer to as NHP preferred stock. NHP preferred stock may be issued by the NHP board of directors from time to time in one or more series, each of which is to have the powers, preferences and relative rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions as are stated in the NHP charter or related articles supplementary. As of [    •    ], 2011, there were no shares of NHP preferred stock outstanding.


                Cumulative Voting and Election of Directors

                        Neither holders of Ventas common stock nor holders of NHP common stock have the right to cumulate their votes with respect to the election of directors.

                Ventas

                        Each Ventas director is elected by a majority of votes cast, which means that the number of votes cast "for" a director's election must exceed the number of votes cast "against" that director's election (with abstentions and broker non-votes not counted as a vote cast either "for" or "against" that director's election) unless the election is contested, in which case directors are elected by the vote of a plurality of the shares entitled to vote and present or represented by proxy at the meeting.

                NHP

                        A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present is sufficient to elect an NHP director.


                Size of the Board of Directors

                Ventas

                        Under the Ventas charter, the number of directors of Ventas is fixed in the manner described in the Ventas bylaws. The Ventas bylaws currently provide that the number of directors shall not be less than three nor more than 11, as determined by the board. There are currently nine directors serving on the Ventas board of directors. Upon the consummation of the Atria Acquisition, a representative of LREP will join the Ventas board of directors. Upon the consummation of the merger, three NHP directors, including Douglas M. Pasquale, will join the Ventas board of directors. In connection with the merger, the Ventas bylaws will be amended to increase the maximum number of directors allowed to serve on the Ventas board of directors.

                NHP

                        The NHP charter and bylaws provide that the NHP board of directors may establish the number of directors of the company as long as the number is not less than five. The number of directors is fixed by the NHP board of directors from time to time. There are currently eight directors serving on the NHP board of directors.


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                Staggered Boards and Term of Directors

                Ventas

                        Ventas directors are not divided into classes and hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their earlier resignation, removal from office or death.

                NHP

                        The NHP charter divides the NHP board of directors into three classes, each having three-year terms that expire in successive years. As the term of each class expires, stockholders elect directors in that class for a term of three years and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The directors in the other two classes continue in office, serving the remaining portion of their respective three-year term.


                Removal of Directors

                Ventas

                        The Ventas bylaws provide that any director or the entire Ventas board of directors may be removed with or without cause, at any time, by the affirmative vote of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.

                NHP

                        The NHP charter provides that a director may be removed by the vote or written consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of directors. Under Section 2-406(b)(3) of Maryland law, a director may not be removed without cause.


                Vacancies on the Board of Directors

                Ventas

                        The Ventas bylaws provide that if any vacancy occurs on the Ventas board of directors for any reason, including, but not limited to, the resignation, removal or death of a director or an increase in the number of authorized directors, a majority of the directors remaining in office, although less than a quorum, may elect a successor for the unexpired term and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.

                NHP

                        The NHP bylaws provide that a majority of the directors remaining on the NHP board of directors may fill any vacancy, other than a vacancy caused by removal, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum. The NHP stockholders entitled to vote for the election of directors at an annual or special meeting of NHP stockholders may fill a vacancy resulting from the removal of a director.


                Standard of Conduct for Directors

                Ventas

                        With respect to Ventas, under Delaware law, the standards of conduct for directors have developed through written opinions of the Delaware courts in cases decided by them. Generally, directors of a Delaware corporation are subject to a duty of loyalty, a duty of care and a duty of candor to the corporation's stockholders. The duty of loyalty requires directors to refrain from self-dealing. According to the Delaware Supreme Court, the duty of care requires "directors in managing the corporate affairs


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                to use that amount of care which ordinarily careful and prudent men would use in similar circumstances," and the duty of candor requires directors "to disclose fully and fairly all material information within the board's control when it seeks stockholder action." Later case law has established "gross negligence" as the test for breach of the standard for the duty of care in the process of decision-making by directors.

                NHP

                        With respect to NHP, the standard of conduct for directors is set forth in Section 2-405.1(d)-(g) of Maryland law, which requires that a director of a Maryland corporation perform his or her duties in good faith with a reasonable belief that the director's actions are in the best interests of the corporation and with the care of an ordinarily prudent person in a like position under similar circumstances. Maryland law provides that a director is presumed to satisfy this standard of conduct.


                Amendment of Charter and Bylaws

                Ventas

                        The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote is required to amend the Ventas charter, according to Delaware law. Under Delaware law, the holders of the outstanding shares of a class is entitled to vote as a class upon a proposed amendment, whether or not entitled to vote thereon by the certificate of incorporation, if the amendment would increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of such class, increase or decrease the par value of the shares of such class, or alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of such class so as to affect them adversely. If any proposed amendment would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of one or more series of any class so as to affect them adversely, but will not so affect the entire class, then only the shares of the series so affected by the amendment are considered a separate class for the purposes of this provision. Additionally, the Ventas charter provides that the provisions on "Restrictions of Ownership and Transfer; Designation of Excess Shares" contained in Article IX of the Ventas charter may be amended only by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

                        The Ventas bylaws may be amended (i) by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote in the election of directors or (ii) by action of the board of directors at a regular or special meeting thereof. Any bylaws made by the Ventas board of directors may be amended or repealed by action of the stockholders at any annual or special meeting of stockholders.

                NHP

                        The NHP charter may be amended only if the amendment is declared advisable by the NHP board of directors and approved by NHP stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote on the amendment. However, the provisions relating to (i) business combinations, (ii) board of directors classification and removal and (iii) redemption, as described, respectively, in Sections 2, 3 and 4 of Article V of the NHP charter, may be amended only with the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 90% of the shares entitled to vote on the amendment.

                        The NHP bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of (i) the holders of a majority of the outstanding NHP shares entitled to vote on the amendment or (ii) a majority of the NHP board of directors, except that the NHP board of directors cannot amend the provisions relating to the number of independent directors, approval of transactions by independent directors, duties of independent


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                directors and composition of the investment committee as described, respectively, in Sections 2, 12 and 13 of Article III and Section 4 of Article IV of the NHP bylaws.


                Stockholder Action Without a Meeting

                Ventas

                        The Ventas charter and bylaws provide that action may be taken without a meeting of Ventas stockholders, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of 80% of the outstanding Ventas shares entitled to vote. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent must be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.

                NHP

                        The NHP bylaws provide that any action to be taken by the stockholders other than the election of directors may be taken without a meeting, if, and only if, prior to such action, all stockholders entitled to vote thereon consent in writing to such action being taken.


                Special Stockholder Meetings

                Ventas

                        Under the Ventas bylaws, special meetings of stockholders, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called at any time only by the Ventas board of directors or the chairman of the Ventas board of directors.

                NHP

                        Under the NHP bylaws, special meetings can be called by the chairman of the NHP board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or by a majority of the NHP board of directors. A special meeting may also be called by the Secretary upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.


                Stockholder Proposals

                Ventas

                        The Ventas bylaws allow stockholders to submit business or a proposal (including but not limited to, the nomination of any person for election as a director). To be properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to Ventas's Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at Ventas's principal executive offices not earlier than 150 nor later than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year's annual meeting;provided,however, that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year's annual meeting or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than 150 days prior to the date of the annual meeting nor later than either 120 days prior to the date of such annual meeting or 10 days following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting will not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above. For a stockholder seeking to nominate a candidate for director, the notice must describe various matters regarding the nominee, including name, address, occupation and number of shares held, and other specified matters. For a stockholder seeking to propose other business, the notice must include a description of the proposed business, the reasons for the proposal and other specified matters.


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                NHP

                        Under the NHP bylaws, for nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary and such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the stockholders. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be delivered to NHP's Secretary at NHP's principal executive office not earlier than 150 days nor later than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of mailing of the notice for the preceding year's annual meeting;provided,however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year's annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than 150 days prior to the date of the annual meeting and not later than the later of 120 days prior to the date of such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting will not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above. For a stockholder seeking to nominate a candidate for director, the notice must describe various matters regarding the nominee, including name, address, occupation and number of shares held, and other specified matters. For a stockholder seeking to propose other business, the notice must include a description of the proposed business, the reasons for the proposal and other specified matters.


                Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers

                Ventas

                        As permitted by Delaware law, the Ventas charter provides that the directors of Ventas will not be personally liable to Ventas or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for a breach of a director's duty of loyalty to Ventas or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of Delaware law, or (iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit.

                NHP

                        The NHP charter provides that the liability of NHP directors and officers for money or other damages is limited to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law. Therefore, NHP directors and officers shall have no liability for money or other damages except to the extent that (i) it is proven that the director or officer actually received an improper benefit or profit, or (ii) a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the action, or failure to act, of the director or officer, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, and was material to the cause of action.


                Indemnification

                Ventas

                        To the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law, the Ventas charter provides that Ventas will indemnify any person who was or is made a party to or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative because he or she is or was one of Ventas's directors or officers, or is or was serving at Ventas's request as a director, officer, employee, trustee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all expenses, liabilities and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by him or her in connection with such proceeding.


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                        In Delaware, indemnification is mandatory where a present or former director or officer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in any suit or matter covered by the indemnification statute (Section 145(c) of Delaware law). It covers expenses (including attorney's fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the director or officer in the matter. Permissive indemnification (Section 145(a), (b) and (d) of Delaware law) is authorized upon a determination that the corporate representative has met the applicable standard of conduct required,i.e., that he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and that, with respect to any criminal proceeding, he had no reason to believe his conduct was unlawful.

                        Additionally, Ventas may provide by action of its board of directors through agreement, resolution or by a provision in its bylaws, indemnification of its employees and agents with substantially the same scope and effect as the indemnification provided for directors and officers. Expenses incurred by such a person in his or her capacity as one of Ventas's directors or officers (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer) in defending a proceeding may be paid by Ventas in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding as authorized by the Ventas board of directors in a specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of that person to repay such amounts unless it is ultimately determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified by Ventas as authorized by Delaware law. Expenses incurred by a person in any capacity other than one of Ventas's officers or directors may be paid in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding on such terms and conditions, if any, as the Ventas board of directors deems appropriate.

                NHP

                        The NHP charter and bylaws provide for indemnification of NHP officers and directors against liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law, as amended from time to time. Under Maryland law, a corporation may indemnify any director or officer made a party to any proceeding by reason of service as a director or officer unless it is established that (i) the act or omission of such person was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; or (ii) such person actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, such person had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. The indemnity may include judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceeding;provided,however, that if the proceeding is one by, or in the right of, the corporation, indemnification is not permitted with respect to any proceeding in which the director or officer had been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless approved by a court (except where the individual is adjudged to be liable on the basis of improper receipt of a personal benefit). The termination of any proceeding by conviction, upon a plea ofnolo contendere or its equivalent or upon an entry of an order of probation prior to judgment creates a rebuttable presumption that the director or officer did not meet the requisite standard of conduct required for permitted indemnification. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order or settlement, however, does not create a presumption that the director or officer failed to meet the requisite standard of conduct for permitted indemnification. Unless limited by the charter, if a director or officer has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any such proceeding, or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter in the proceeding, such director or officer must be indemnified by the corporation for his or her reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees incurred in such defense. Whether or not director or officer has met the standard of care described above, a court may order such indemnification as it shall deem proper.


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                Dividends

                Ventas

                        With respect to Ventas, under Delaware law, dividends may be declared by the board of directors of a corporation and paid out of surplus, and, if no surplus is available, out of any net profits for the then current fiscal year or the preceding fiscal year, or both,provided that such payment would not reduce capital below the amount of capital represented by all classes of outstanding stock having a preference as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation of the corporation. Ventas's charter provides that, after the requirements regarding preferential dividends or amounts are met for any series of preferred stock entitled to them, holders of Ventas common stock are entitled to dividends or distributions, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Ventas board of directors.

                NHP

                        With respect to NHP, Maryland law permits a corporation, subject to any restriction in its charter, to make any distribution authorized by the board of directors unless, after the distribution, the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business or the corporation's total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities, plus the amount that would be needed if the corporation were dissolved at the time of the distribution to satisfy senior liquidation preferences. In determining whether a distribution is permitted, the board of directors may rely either on (i) financial statements prepared on the basis of accounting practices and principles that are reasonable under the circumstances or (ii) a fair valuation or other method that is reasonable under the circumstances. In addition, the corporation is permitted to make a distribution so long as the distribution is made from (i) the net earnings of the corporation for the fiscal year in which the distribution is made, (ii) its net earnings for the preceding fiscal year or (iii) the sum of its net earnings for the preceding eight fiscal quarters.


                Stockholder Rights; Stockholder Lists

                Ventas

                        With respect to Ventas, under Delaware law, any stockholder may for any proper purpose, inspect a corporation's stock ledger, a list of its stockholders and its other books and records, and may make copies of and extracts from the record. A stockholder may exercise this right only upon written demand under oath. The inspection must occur during regular business hours. The Ventas bylaws provide that at least 10 days before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting. The Ventas bylaws also require that the list be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and the list may be inspected by any stockholder who is present at the meeting.

                NHP

                        With respect to NHP, pursuant to Maryland law, one or more persons who together are and have been stockholders of record of a corporation for at least six months and in total hold at least 5% of the outstanding stock of any class may inspect and copy the corporation's books of account and stock ledger, request a written statement of the corporation's affairs and request a list of the corporation's stockholders. In addition, any stockholder of a Maryland corporation may (i) inspect and copy the bylaws, minutes of the proceedings of stockholders, annual statement of affairs, and voting trust agreements and (ii) request the corporation provide a sworn statement showing all stock, as well as any other securities, issued and all consideration received by the corporation during the preceding 12 months.


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                Merger Approval

                Ventas

                        The merger approval procedure in Delaware begins with the adoption of a resolution by the board of directors of each of two or more corporations approving an agreement of merger and declaring the merger advisable (Section 251(b) of Delaware law). This agreement must then be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at an annual or special meeting of each corporation (Section 251(c) of Delaware law), and no class vote is required unless provided in the certificate of incorporation. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, a stockholder vote is not required in the case of a Delaware corporation surviving a merger if (i) the agreement of merger does not amend in any respect the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, (ii) each share of stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger is to be an identical outstanding or treasury share of the surviving corporation after the effective date of the merger and (iii) either (A) no shares of common stock of the surviving corporation and no shares, securities or obligations convertible into such stock are to be issued or delivered under the agreement of merger or (B) the authorized and unissued shares or the treasury shares of common stock of the surviving corporation to be issued or delivered under the agreement of merger plus those initially issuable upon conversion of any other shares, securities or obligations to be issued or delivered under such plan, do not exceed 20% of the shares of common stock of the corporation outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger (Section 251(f) of Delaware law).

                NHP

                        The merger approval procedure in Maryland begins with the adoption, by the board of directors of each corporation, of a resolution declaring that the proposed merger is advisable and that the merger is to be submitted for consideration at either an annual or special meeting of the stockholders. After notice is given to all of the stockholders stating that the purpose of the meeting will be to consider the proposed merger, the proposed merger must be approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast, unless a different proportion is provided in the charter of the corporation, but not less than a majority. The NHP charter does not provide for a different proportion for merger approval.


                Business Combinations

                Ventas

                        As a Delaware corporation, Ventas is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of Delaware law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the time at which such person became an interested stockholder unless: (i) prior to such time, the board of directors approved either the business combination or transaction in which the stockholder became an interested stockholder; or (ii) upon becoming an interested stockholder, the stockholder owned at least 85% of the corporation's outstanding voting stock other than shares held by directors who are also officers and certain employee benefit plans; or (iii) the business combination is approved by both the board of directors and by holders of at least 662/3% of the corporation's outstanding voting stock (at a meeting and not by written consent), excluding shares owned by the interested stockholder. For these purposes, a "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other similar transactions with an "interested stockholder," and "interested stockholder" means a stockholder that, together with its affiliates and associates, owns (or, under certain circumstances, has owned within the prior three years) more than 15% of the outstanding voting stock. Although Section 203 permits a corporation to elect not to be governed by its provisions, Ventas has not made this election.


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                NHP

                        The Maryland Business Combination Act, which we refer to as the MBCA, provides, as a general rule, that, unless an exemption from the MBCA applies, a corporation may not engage in any "business combinations" with an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances specified in the MBCA, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities, liquidation or dissolution plans, and receipt of certain benefits by the interested stockholder. Maryland law defines an "interested stockholder" as (i) any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the company's shares, or (ii) an affiliate of the company who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the company's then outstanding voting stock. A person is not an "interested stockholder" under the business combination provisions of Maryland law if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which such person would otherwise have become an interested stockholder. Even if a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is not prohibited by the general rule, it must be recommended by the corporation's board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of the corporation's voting stock and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the corporation's voting stock other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder. These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation's common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. None of these provisions of Maryland law will apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the corporation's board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.

                        Additionally, the NHP charter contains a supermajority business combination vote requirement. The affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 90% of the outstanding shares of voting stock of NHP is required to approve a business combination of NHP with a greater than 10% shareholder. However, such 90% voting requirement is not applicable if: (i) the NHP board of directors by unanimous vote or written consent expressly approves in advance the acquisition of voting stock or approved the business combination prior to the 10% stockholder becoming a 10% stockholder; or (ii) the business combination is solely between NHP and another corporation, 100% of the voting stock of which is owned directly or indirectly by NHP.


                Control Share Acquisitions

                Ventas

                        None of the Ventas charter, the Ventas bylaws or Delaware law includes a control share acquisition provision.

                NHP

                        With respect to NHP, Maryland law provides that "control shares" of a corporation acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast, excluding shares owned by an acquiring person, by an officer of the corporation or an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation. "Control shares" are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other voting shares of stock previously acquired by a person, or over which such person is able to directly or indirectly exercise voting power,


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                except solely by revocable proxy, would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

                  one-tenth or more but less than one-third;

                  one-third or more but less than a majority; or

                  a majority or more.

                        Generally, "control share acquisition" means the acquisition of control shares. A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may require the board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to consider voting rights for the shares if the person agrees to pay the corporation's expenses of the meeting. The meeting must be held within 50 days of demand. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may present the question at any stockholders' meeting.

                        If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then, subject to conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (unless the charter or bylaws provide otherwise), except those for which voting rights previously have been approved, for fair value. Fair value is determined without regard to the absence of voting rights for control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of control shares are considered and not approved. Unless the charter or bylaws provide otherwise, before a control acquisition has occurred, if voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiring person becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise the rights of objecting stockholders to receive the fair value of their shares. The fair value of the shares as determined for this purpose may not be less than the highest price per share paid in the control share acquisition. Certain limitations and restrictions otherwise applicable to the exercise of dissenters' rights do not apply in the context of a control share acquisition.

                        The control share acquisition statute does not apply to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction, or to acquisitions approved or exempted by its charter or bylaws. The NHP bylaws have exempted any shares of NHP stock that are acquired by Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. or its associates from the application of the control share acquisition statute.


                Stockholder Rights Plan

                        Neither Ventas nor NHP has in effect a stockholder rights plan.


                Appraisal Rights

                Ventas

                        With respect to Ventas, under Delaware law, stockholders who dissent from a merger or consolidation of the corporation have the right to demand and receive payment of the fair value of their stock, as appraised by the Delaware Chancery Court (Section 262 of Delaware law). Delaware law provides that dissenters' rights are inapplicable (i) to stockholders of a surviving corporation whose vote is not required to approve the merger or consolidation, and (ii) to any class of stock listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a Nasdaq National Market security or held of record by over 2,000 stockholders, unless, in either case, such stockholders are required in the merger to accept in exchange for their shares anything other than (1) shares of the surviving corporation, (2) stock of another corporation which is either listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a Nasdaq National Market security, (3) cash in lieu of fractional shares of such corporations, or (4) or any combination of the above. Neither the Ventas charter nor the Ventas bylaws contains any additional provisions relating to dissenters' rights of appraisal. Holders of Ventas stock may not be entitled to


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                appraisal rights in connection with mergers or consolidations involving Ventas, depending on the consideration payable in connection therewith.

                NHP

                        With respect to NHP, except for transactions governed by the MBCA described above, no objecting stockholder rights are available if the corporation's shares are listed on a national securities exchange unless stockholders, in exchange for their shares, are receiving cash (other than in lieu of fractional shares), or consideration other than stock or depositary receipts of the successor, in a merger, consolidation or share exchange in which the directors and executive officers were the beneficial owners, in the aggregate, of 5% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time during the prior year and the stock held by the directors and executive officers, or any of them, is converted or exchanged in the transaction for stock of a person, or an affiliate of a person, who is a party to the transaction on terms that are not otherwise available to all holders. This provision does not apply when the directors' and/or executive officers' stock is held in a compensatory plan or arrangement approved by the board of directors and the treatment of the stock in the transaction is approved by the board (Section 3-202(d) of the Maryland law). Neither the NHP charter nor the NHP bylaws contain any additional provisions relating to the rights of objecting stockholders.


                Constituency and Related Provisions

                Ventas

                        None of the Ventas charter, the Ventas bylaws or Delaware law allows the Ventas board of directors to consider the effect of the potential acquisition of control on constituencies other than the corporation and its stockholders, such as employees, suppliers, customers and creditors of the corporation and on communities in which offices or other establishments of the corporation are located.

                NHP

                        With respect to NHP, under Maryland law, the charter may include a provision permitting the directors, in considering a potential acquisition of control of the corporation, to consider the effect of the potential acquisition on the corporation's stockholders, employees, customers, creditors, suppliers and communities in which offices or other establishments of the corporation are located. Accordingly, directors may reject an offer because of the effect that the acquisition would have on non-stockholder constituencies or accept a lower priced offer that the directors believe is more favorable to all of the corporation's constituencies. The NHP charter does not include such a provision. However, Maryland law also states that the inclusion or absence of such a provision does not create an inference as to what factors may be considered by the board of directors.


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                STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

                HCT 2015 Annual Stockholder Meeting and Stockholder Proposals

                        If the merger ismergers are completed on the expected timetable, NHPHCT does not intend to hold a 20112015 annual meeting of its stockholders. However, if the merger is not completed, or if NHPHCT is otherwise required to do so under applicable law, NHPHCT would hold a 20112015 annual meeting of stockholders. Because NHP's 2011Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act addresses when a company must include a stockholder's proposal in its proxy statement and identify the proposal in its form of proxy when the company holds an annual or special meeting if it is held, is not expectedof stockholders. Under Rule 14a-8, in order for a stockholder proposal to be held until after the date that is 30 days following the first anniversary of NHP's 2010 annual meeting, the deadlineconsidered for inclusion of any stockholder proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy for NHP's 2011card relating to HCT's 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, the proposal must be received at HCT's principal executive offices no later than December 29, 2014. Any proposal received after the applicable time in the previous sentence will be considered untimely.

                        For any proposal that is a reasonable time before NHP begins to print and mail itsnot submitted for inclusion in HCT's proxy materialsmaterial for the 20112015 annual meeting. In ordermeeting of stockholders but is instead sought to be includedpresented directly at that meeting, Rule 14a-4(c) under the Exchange Act permits HCT's management to exercise discretionary voting authority under proxies it solicits unless HCT receive timely notice of the proposal in the proxy statement, such proposals must complyaccordance with the requirements as to form and substance established by the SEC for such proposals and the notice and other requirementsprocedures set forth in the NHPHCT bylaws. In addition,Under the HCT bylaws, for a stockholder who wishes to make a proposal at NHP's 2011 annual meeting must comply with the notice and other requirements set forth in the NHP bylaws. Pursuant to the NHP bylaws, that notice must have been submitted in writing and delivered to the secretary of NHP not later than the later of 120 days prior to the date of the annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.

                        Stockholder proposals intended to be presentedproperly submitted for presentation at the Ventas 2012HCT's 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, HCT's secretary must be received by Ventas no later thanreceive written notice of the proposal at HCT's principal executive offices during the period beginning on November 29, 2011 in order to be included2014 and ending at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 29, 2014. Any proposal received after the applicable time in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting. In order toprevious sentence will be included in the proxy statement, such proposals must comply with the requirements as to form and substance established by the SEC for such proposals. A stockholder who wishes to make a proposal at the Ventas annual meeting without submitting the proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting must comply with the notice and other requirements set forth in the Ventas bylaws. Pursuant to the Ventas bylaws, that notice must have been submitted in writing and delivered to the secretary of Ventas between December 14, 2011 and January 13, 2012.considered untimely.


                LEGAL MATTERS

                        The validity of the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued in the merger will behave been passed upon for Ventas by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the merger willhave also bebeen passed upon for Ventas by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and for NHPHCT by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & FlomProskauer Rose LLP.


                EXPERTS

                Ventas

                        The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Ventas appearing in Ventas's Annual Report (Form 10-K)as of and for each of the yearyears ended December 31, 2010 (including the financial statement schedule appearing therein),2013 and 2012 and management's assessment of the effectiveness of Ventas's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20102013 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                        The consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows of Ventas, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the 2011 information in the financial statement Schedule III, included in Amendment No. 1 to Ventas, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reportsits report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows of Ventas, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the 2011 information in the financial statementsstatement Schedule III, included in Amendment No. 1 to Ventas, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reportsreport given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


                AtriaHCT

                        The audited consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Atria Senior Living Group, Inc. and subsidiaries and One Lantern Senior Living Inc and subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009,HCT incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference to Ventas's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 11, 2011, have been audited by Deloitte & Touchein reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent auditorsregistered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as statedexperts in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements havegiving said report.


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                been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.


                NHP

                        The consolidated financial statements of NHP appearing in NHP's Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2010 (including the financial statement schedule appearing therein), and the effectiveness of NHP's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


                OTHER MATTERS

                        As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, neither the Ventas board of directors nor the NHP board of directors knows of any matters that will be presented for consideration at either the Ventas special meeting or the NHP special meeting other than as described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. In accordance with Ventas's bylaws, NHP's bylaws, Delaware law and Maryland law, business transacted at the Ventas special meeting and the NHP special meeting will be limited to those matters set forth in the respective accompanying notice of special meeting. Nonetheless, if any other matter is properly presented at the Ventas special meeting or the NHP special meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of such meetings, and are voted upon, including matters incident to the conduct of the meeting, the enclosed proxy card will confer discretionary authority on the individuals named therein as proxies to vote the shares represented thereby as to any such other matters. It is intended that the persons named in the enclosed proxy card and acting thereunder will vote in accordance with their best judgment on any such matter.


                WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATIONINFORMATION; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

                        Ventas and NHPHCT file annual, quarterly and current reports proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. YouSEC. Ventas stockholders and HCT stockholders may read and copy any of thisthese reports, statements or other information filed by Ventas and HCT at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC also maintains an Internetinternet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Ventas and NHP,HCT, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site iswww.sec.gov.

                        Investors may also consult Ventas's or NHP's website for more information concerning the merger described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Ventas's website iswww.ventasreit.comhttp://www.sec.gov. NHP's website iswww.nhp-reit.com. Information included on these websites is not incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

                        Ventas has filed with the SEC a registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. The registration statement registerson Form S-4 to register with the SEC the shares of Ventas common stock to be issued to NHPHCT stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement. This proxy statement/prospectus forms a part of that registration statement and constitutes a prospectus of Ventas, in connection with the merger.addition to being a proxy statement of HCT for its special meeting. The registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules, thereto, contains additional relevant information about Ventas common stock. Theand HCT. As allowed by SEC rules, and regulationsthis proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all of the SEC allow Ventas and NHP to omit certain information includedyou can find in the registration statement from this joint proxy statement/prospectus.or the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement.

                        In addition, theThe SEC allows Ventas and NHPHCT to "incorporate by reference" information into this proxy statement/prospectus. This means that Ventas and HCT can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documentsanother document filed separately with the SEC. ThisThe information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by information that is included directly in this jointproxy statement/prospectus or incorporated by reference subsequent to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.


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                        This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that Ventas hasand HCT have previously filed with the SEC;provided,however, that we are not incorporating by reference, in each case, any documents, portions of documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules. The documents listed belowSEC. They contain important information about Ventas itsand HCT and the financial condition or other matters.of each company.

                Ventas SEC Filings (File No. 001-10989)
                Period and/or Date Filed
                Annual Report on Form 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (as amended by Annual Report on Form 10-K/A)

                Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q


                Quarter ended March 31, 2014 (as amended by Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A); quarter ended June 30, 2014

                Current Reports on Form 8-K or 8-K/A


                February 14, 2014; March 13, 2014; April 15, 2014; April 17, 2014; April 25, 2014 (two filings on this date); May 16, 2014; June 2, 2014; June 5, 2014; July 9, 2014; July 11, 2014; August 12, 2014; September 2, 2014; September 16, 2014 (two filings on this date); September 18, 2014 (two filings on this date); and September 29, 2014 (in each case, other than the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed)

                Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A


                Filed on April 4, 2014

                Description of Ventas capital stock included in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A, including any subsequently filed amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such descriptions


                Filed on January 23, 1992, as amended

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                  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, as amended by Ventas's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.



                  Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed on February 3, 2011, February 17, 2011, February 28, 2011, March 24, 2011 and April 11, 2011 (other than documents or portions of those documents not deemed to be filed).

                  Proxy Statement for Ventas's 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on March 28, 2011.

                  The description of Ventas common stock contained in Ventas's Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 23, 1992, as amended.

                HCT SEC Filings (File No. 000-54688)
                Period and/or Date Filed
                Annual Report on Form 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2013

                Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q


                Quarter ended March 31, 2014; quarter ended June 30, 2014

                Current Reports on Form 8-K or 8-K/A


                January 14, 2014; February 25, 2014; February 27, 2014; March 27, 2014; April 1, 2014; April 3, 2014 (two filings on this date); April 7, 2014; April 8, 2014; April 9, 2014; April 15, 2014; April 28, 2014; May 5, 2014; May 14, 2014; May 28, 2014; June 2, 2014 (two filings on this date); June 3, 2014; June 5, 2014; June 30, 2014; July 15, 2014; July 30, 2014; August 12, 2014; August 29, 2014; September 16, 2014; and September 26, 2014 (in each case other than the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed)

                Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A


                Filed on April 28, 2014

                        In addition, Ventas incorporatesand HCT incorporate by reference herein any future filings it makesadditional documents that they may file with the SEC underpursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement and between the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and prior to the effective date of the merger. SuchHCT's special stockholder meeting (other than information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K or exhibits filed under Item 9.01 relating to those Items, unless expressly stated otherwise therein). These documents are considered to be a part ofinclude periodic reports, such as annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

                        Ventas has supplied all information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus effective as of the date such documents are filed. In the event of conflictingrelating to Ventas and Merger Sub, and HCT has supplied all information contained in these documents, the information in the latest filed document should be considered correct.this proxy statement/prospectus relating to HCT.

                        You can obtain any of the documents listed above from the SEC, through the SEC's website at the address described above or from VentasDocuments incorporated by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:

                General Counsel
                Ventas, Inc.
                10350 Ormsby Park Place
                Suite 300
                Louisville, Kentucky 40223
                Telephone: (502) 357-9000

                        These documentsreference are available from Ventas without charge upon written or oral request, excluding any exhibits to themthose documents, unless the exhibit is specifically listedincorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. You can obtain any of these documents by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at: