LAKE FOREST, Calif., Oct. 28, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apria Healthcare Group Inc. (NYSE:AHG - News) today announced that it has notified the New York Stock Exchange (the ``NYSE'') that the proposed merger of Sky Merger Sub Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of an affiliate of The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX - News), with and into Apria Healthcare Group Inc. pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement dated as of June 18, 2008, is scheduled to close later today, subject to the consummation of Sky Merger Sub Corporation's financing. Apria will provide further notice upon closing of the merger.

As a result of the merger, Apria's common stock, par value $0.001 per share, will be delisted from the NYSE and will cease to be publicly traded. At the effective time of the merger each outstanding share of Apria's common stock will be converted into the right to receive $21.00 in cash, without interest and less applicable withholding taxes.

About Apria Healthcare Group Inc.

Apria provides home respiratory therapy, home infusion therapy and home medical equipment through approximately 550 locations serving patients in all 50 states. With over $1.6 billion in annual net revenues ($2.1 billion if Apria's December 3, 2007 acquisition of Coram, Inc. were included for the full year), it is the nation's leading home healthcare company.

About The Blackstone Group

Blackstone is one of the world's leading investment and advisory firms. They seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for their investors, the companies they invest in, the companies they advise and the broader global economy. They do this through the commitment of extraordinary people and flexible capital. Blackstone's alternative asset management businesses include the management of corporate private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge funds, funds of funds, debt funds, collateralized loan obligation vehicles (CLOs) and closed-end mutual funds. The Blackstone Group also provides various financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement service. Further information is available at http://www.blackstone.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains various ``forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the proposed acquisition of Apria by Blackstone and the risks and uncertainties related to the occurrence of future events. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the current economic environment, Apria and its industry. Certain factors could cause actual events not to occur as expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors, among others, could affect when the closing of the merger will occur, if at all. Other potential risks and uncertainties are discussed in Apria's reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Apria assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are based upon many estimates and assumptions and are inherently subject to significant economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Apria's management. Inclusion of such forward-looking statements herein should not be regarded as a representation by Apria that the statements will prove to be correct.

          Apria Healthcare Group Inc.
          Chris A. Karkenny, Chief Financial Officer    
            949.639.4990               
          Michael E. Polgardy, Treasurer           
            949.639.4357