Fitness First to focus on Asia

Fitness First is continuing its focus on developing countries, particularly in Asia, following the sales of its clubs in France, Spain and Italy.
With the sale of all 45 Fitness First clubs in France, Spain and Italy to the Netherlands-based HealthCity, Fitness First has exited the mainland European market.
In turn, HealthCity has becomes a European market leader within the fitness industry.
As Chief Executive Rene Moos explains "with the addition of these Fitness First clubs, we are now present in seven countries and we perceive opportunities to build up a leadership position in the new countries as well."
The recent acquisition follows HealthCityï¾s acquisition of Fitness First Benelux in November 2010.
Last year it was reported that BC Partners, the private equity group which owns Fitness First, was looking to organise a US$1.80 billion flotation on an Asian exchange.
Fitness First has more than 140 clubs spread in Asia and Australasia, with outlets in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore. Globally it operates in 20 countries with 550 clubs and over 1.4 members.