BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) — A company that operates long-term care facilities is selling nine centers in Nebraska and Iowa, including the Beatrice Manor.

Careage Management LLC of Sioux City, Iowa, has reached an agreement to sell the facilities to The Ensign Group, which operates 87 skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and hospice services in eight western states.

Beatrice Manor is an 87-bed facility and employs nearly 100 people.

The other Nebraska centers being acquired are in Falls City, Randolph and Wayne. The Iowa facilities are in Fort Dodge, Clarion, Hawarden, West Bend and Cherokee.

Dan Myers, the president of CEO of Careage, says the new company plans to retain current employees.

The sale is expected to close July 1.