Xponential Fitness signs master franchise agreement for CycleBar to operate in Japan

Xponential Fitness, Inc, the largest global franchisor of boutique fitness brands, announced today it has signed a Master Franchise Agreement in Japan for CycleBar, the world’s largest indoor cycling brand.

The agreement, signed with Xponential’s existing Master Franchisee for Club Pilates in Japan, gives the Master Franchisee the opportunity to license at least 30 CycleBar studios in Japan over the next 10 years.

It follows recent announcements of new master franchise agreements by Xponential Fitness for the UK and Mexico. The new studios will expand CycleBar’s international footprint outside of North America to three countries, following Master Franchise Agreements in Australia and New Zealand.

The Master Franchisee for CycleBar in Japan is entrepreneur Naoki Shimabukuro, Chief Executive of Club Pilates Japan Co. Ltd.

In addition to his role as Master Franchisee for CycleBar and Club Pilates, Shimabukuro is the founder of Idealink Corporation, an internet media and franchise marketing agency, and was the organiser of the 2016 International Franchise Expo in Tokyo.

The addition of CycleBar will expand on Shimabukuro’s current footprint in the Japanese market where Club Pilates has eight studios open and several more slated to open by the end of 2022.

Announcing the deal, John Kersh, Chief International Development Officer at Xponential Fitness, stated “Japan is among the world’s top 10 fitness markets, and we are confident that CycleBar will become one of the country’s top boutique fitness brands under Naoki’s leadership.

“His early success with Club Pilates is a testament to the growing enthusiasm for boutique fitness from Japanese consumers.”

Shimabukuro “the timing is excellent for us to bring the immersive experience of CycleBar to Japan.

“Japanese customers have an increasing interest in fitness and commitment to their health, and are seeking new and innovative options for their workout routines like CycleBar. Our team’s goal is to build CycleBar and Club Pilates into the most recognized and popular boutique fitness brands in Japan.”

The first CycleBar studio in Japan is expected to open in 2023.

Images courtesy of CycleBar.