Beverly Announces Results of Annual Meeting of Stockholders; Sets Date for 2005 Annual Meeting.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

FORT SMITH, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2004

Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:BEV) reported that, at its annual meeting held today, stockholders elected all nominees to the company's Board of Directors, ratified the appointment of Ernst and Young LLP as independent auditors for 2004, amended and re-approved the Long-Term Incentive Plan, and amended and re-stated the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.

Beverly also announced that next year's annual meeting of stockholders tentatively has been set for Thursday, May 19, 2005. All stockholder proposals to be considered for inclusion in next year's proxy statement must be submitted in writing for receipt by December 9, 2004. Additionally, Beverly's advance notice by law provision requires that any stockholder proposal to be presented from the floor of the 2005 annual meeting must be received by the Corporate Secretary by March 6, 2005.

Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries are leading providers of healthcare services to the elderly in the United States. At April 30, 2004, it operated 368 skilled nursing facilities, as well as 19 assisted living centers, and 24 hospice agencies. Through Aegis Therapies, the company offers rehabilitation services on a contract basis to nursing facilities operated by other care providers.