Anytime Fitness Asia acquired by Inspire Brands Asia

May 27, 2020

Finance / Fitness /

Anytime Fitness Asia has been purchased by Inspire Brands Asia, a consortium led by its top submaster franchisees, lead investor Exacta Capital Partners, and co-investor Aura Group.

The acquisition includes the Master Franchisee license in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Macau, with over 350 locations sold and over 250 gyms opened. Members of the consortium merged their gym management businesses into the group, which operate over 30% of the gyms in Asia.

In the last four years, Anytime Fitness Asia’s compound annual growth rates of 49% in franchise sales and 55% in gym openings were driven by the submaster franchisees in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

IBA Group Chief Executive and Anytime Fitness Asia Chief Operating Officer, Luke Guanlao advises, "I have been with Anytime Fitness for 10 years+, and we are positioned strongly to take advantage of opportunities as our gyms reopen and we navigate a new normal."

Anytime Fitness Asia Chief Growth Officer, Johannes Raadsma notes "Hong Kong's reopening shows gym usage at pre-COVID-19 levels. With our track record in gym management, we can support operators and investors in a profitable business that welcomes people into a healthier lifestyle."

Mizuho Asia Partners Chief Executive and investment advisor to Exacta Capital Partners, Kota Igarashi adds "Anytime Fitness Asia set the standard in fitness in value for franchisees and members. Its value proposition and model uniquely position it to thrive post-COVID-19. We are proud to partner with a team that has the track record and skillset to help franchisees and members achieve their goals."

The significance of the deal amid the COVID-19 pandemic is not lost on Aura Group Executive Director Charles Wong who explains "completing the deal involved assessing the brand's capacity to withstand closures, and a long-term outlook on the industry. Anytime Fitness Asia is proven and capitalises on its smaller footprint in community locations and lower entry and maintenance cost, which ensures gyms will reopen safely and grow post-COVID-19. The brand, the model, and experience of our partners are why Aura is privileged to be part of this landmark deal."

Anytime Fitness Asia Chief Support Officer, Andrea Bell, also notes "engagement and profitability are connected, and we have robust systems that ensure owner operators and investors who use gym management services, see results with members, staff, and profits."

Anytime Fitness Asia Chief Executive, Rey Bolivar summarises, "our lives have changed, and we are prepared to change along with it to support members, staff, and franchisees beyond the crisis. We look forward to welcoming members as we reopen, and welcoming opportunities as they come."

8th May 2020 - Anytime Fitness Grafton named Fitness Business of the Year Award at 2020 Australian Fitness Awards

4th March 2020 - International Franchise Association names founders of Anytime Fitness as ‘Entrepreneurs of the Year’

8th January 2020 - Anytime Fitness makes history as the first franchise with locations on all seven continents

29th December 2019 - Anytime Fitness looks to drive future growth outside of clubs’ ‘four walls’

3rd October 2019 - Anytime Fitness announces Stages Indoor Cycling as Global Bike Partner

5th September 2019 - Anytime Fitness and Tough Mudder reveal new partnership

4th September 2019 - Anytime Fitness named a top global franchise 12th consecutive year

22nd August 2019 - Anytime Fitness raises significant funding for suicide prevention awareness

31st July 2019 - Anytime Fitness recognised as ‘top global’ franchise for 12th consecutive year

19th July 2019 - Anytime Fitness responds over Sunshine Coast gym’s ‘fat shaming’ message board

6th May 2019 - Anytime Fitness opens 100th club in The Philippines

24th April 2019 - Anytime Fitness club manager develops fitness programs to raise awareness for autism

8th April 2019 - Anytime Fitness partners with R U OK? suicide prevention charity

20th December 2018 - Anytime Fitness unveils 500th Australian club

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