Anytime Fitness Asia acquired by Inspire Brands Asia

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."