Xponential Fitness looks at Japan expansion with master franchise agreement for Pure Barre and YogaSix

USA-based Xponential Fitness has announced the signing of a master franchise agreement in Japan for Pure Barre and YogaSix with Sunpark Co. Ltd., their current master franchisee for StretchLab.

The deal, which sees Sunpark commit to open a minimum of 50 Pure Barre and Yoga Six franchised studios in Japan, brings Xponential’s brand count in Japan to seven, the largest count of brands outside of North America, following previous agreements for Club Pilates, CycleBar, Rumble, AKT, and StretchLab.

The Master Franchise Agreement with Sunpark - a multi-brand operator and global franchisor of more than 100 restaurants, entertainment concepts, and fitness centres - follows their recent launch of StretchLab, with their first location opening in Tokyo in July 2023.

Advising of the deal, Xponential Fitness Chief International Development Officer, John Kersh stated "Xponential looks forward to continued strong growth in Japan with the planned 2024 launch of Pure Barre and YogaSix with our valued Master Franchisee Sunpark Co. Ltd.

"Sunpark’s track record of expansion in Japan and Asia with multiple restaurant brands blends well with Xponential’s extensive experience in boutique fitness. We are excited to expand into a new, multi-brand relationship with Sunpark."

Led by founder and Chief Executive Ken Takagi, Sunpark operates not only in Japan but also in Singapore, Thailand and the USA with significant real estate and development experience.

Takagi, a respected entrepreneur who has now set his sights on the wellness space, noted "the fitness and wellness sector is still in its infancy in Japan.

"We believe the time is right to build on our successful launch of StretchLab by introducing Pure Barre and YogaSix to the market and continue tapping into the strong consumer demand for health, wellness and fitness."

The agreement marks the first expansion of Pure Barre into Asia and the continued expansion of Xponential Fitness brands globally.

The company now has eight of its brands’ studios operating or in development in 23 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia.

Image credit: Pure Barre.