Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Welltower Inc. announced today that they have formed a joint venture to purchase a 97.5% interest in a portfolio of six seniors housing properties in Florida, known as Aston Gardens. CPPIB is a 45% owner of the joint venture and Welltower owns the remaining 55%. The aggregate purchase price was US$555 million for the interest of the joint venture. Discovery Senior Living (DSL) owns the remaining 2.5% and operates the properties.