DES MOINE, Iowa — LCS has closed its merger agreement to acquire Vi. The acquisition, which was originally announced in September 2025, creates a combined company with a portfolio of roughly 130 communities managed across 29 states.
“Today marks an incredible milestone as we officially move forward as one company, united by a shared purpose: to create exceptional senior living experiences at each of our communities,” says Chris Bird, CEO of LCS. “With regulatory approvals complete, we are excited to officially welcome Vi employees and residents.”
LCS ranked as the third-largest seniors housing operator in the 2025 edition of the ASHA 50, which was based on portfolio figures as of June 2025. LCS, which was established in 1971, also ranked as the 15th-largest owner, with Vi ranking as the 46th-largest owner.
Headquartered in Chicago, Vi owns a portfolio of 10 luxury continuing care retirement communities serving more than 4,000 residents.
Moving forward, Vi’s luxury brand will operate as a distinct portfolio under LCS, and Gary Smith, president and CEO of Vi, will continue to lead the portfolio’s management team.
“The combination of LCS’s and Vi’s expertise, reputation, scale and commitment to resident well-being creates an organization that is ready to meet the opportunities and challenges in the growing senior living industry,” says Smith. “Together, we’re well poised to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and interests of our current and future residents.”