SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 21, 2000 THE MULTICARE COMPANIES, INC. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 34-22090 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) incorporation or organization) 101 East State Street Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 610-444-6350 Item 5. Other Events. On March 21, 2000, The Multicare Companies, Inc. announced that it had begun debt restructuring discussions with its senior lenders and that it did not expect to make scheduled payments due on its senior and subordinated debt during the discussion period. See press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (a) Financial Statements None. (b) Pro Forma Financial Information None. (c) Exhibits 99.1 Press release dated March 21, 2000 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. GENESIS HEALTH VENTURES, INC. By: /s/ George V. Hager, Jr. ---------------------------- George V. Hager, Jr. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Date: April 4, 2000