Exhibit 99.1

Beverly Enterprises Responds to 13-D Filing

    FORT SMITH, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2005--Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:BEV) today announced -- in response to
inquiries -- that it is aware of the 13-D filing by Appaloosa
Management LP, Franklin Mutual Advisors LLC, Formation Capital LLC and
Northbrook NBV LLC. The Beverly Board of Directors -- consistent with
its fiduciary duties -- is reviewing the preliminary expressions of
interest referred to in the filing and will respond in due course.
    Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries are
leading providers of healthcare services to the elderly in the United
States. BEI, through its subsidiaries, currently operates 351 skilled
nursing facilities, as well as 18 assisted living centers, and 52
hospice and home health centers. Through Aegis Therapies, BEI also
offers rehabilitative services on a contract basis to facilities
operated by other care providers.

    CONTACT: Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
             Investor Contact:
             James M. Griffith, 479-201-5514
             or
             Media Contact:
             Blair C. Jackson, 479-201-5263
             www.beverlycorp.com