Inspire Brands Asia, a consortium led by its top sub-master franchisees, lead investor Exacta Capital Partners, and co-investor Aura Group, recently acquired Anytime Fitness Asia and expects to double its gyms to more than 500 in the next three years.
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.
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. After half a decade as top franchisees and country leaders, the consortium has acquired Anytime Fitness Asia and consolidated their submaster franchisees, owned gyms, and gym management services into Inspire Brands Asia.
Luke Guanlao, Inspire Brands Asia Group CEO and concurrent Anytime Fitness Asia COO summarizes, “I have been with Anytime Fitness for over 10 years. 2020 marks my first decade as a franchisee, and the beginning of my journey as a master franchisee. We are positioned strongly to take advantage of opportunities that will open up as our gyms reopen and we navigate a new normal after this pandemic.”
Fast expansion will fall under Johannes Raadsma, Chief Growth Officer, Anytime Fitness Asia, “Our first gyms to reopen in Hong Kong show that gym usage is just as strong as it was pre-COVID-19. With our track record in gym management services, we are able to support both operators and investors in a business that will not just be profitable but also welcomes people of all levels of fitness into a new and healthier lifestyle.”
Kota Igarashi, Chief Executive Officer of Mizuho Asia Partners, investment advisor to Exacta Capital Partners, says, “Anytime Fitness Asia has set the standard in the fitness industry for value delivered to both franchisees and gym members. Moreover, we are proud and excited to partner with an incredible team that has a terrific track record with Anytime Fitness and the right skillset to help franchisees and members achieve their goals.”
The significance of the deal amid the COVID-19 pandemic is not lost on Charles Wong, Executive Director of Aura Group. “Anytime Fitness is proven in Asia and capitalizes on its smaller footprint in accessible community locations, as well as a lower cost of entry and maintenance, which ensures that gyms will not only reopen safely but also grow post-COVID-19. The brand, the model, and the experience of our partners are why we at Aura are privileged to be part of this landmark deal.”
Anytime Fitness Asia will continue to be headed by CEO Rey Bolivar, who summarizes the deal as, “These are exciting times ahead. Our daily lives have been changed forever, and the Anytime Fitness brand in Asia is prepared to change along with the times to support our members, staff, and franchisees through this crisis and beyond. We look forward to welcoming members back into the gym as we reopen, and welcoming opportunities as they come.”
About Anytime Fitness Asia
Anytime Fitness is the fastest-growing and the only regional master franchisee of the Anytime Fitness brand, which is the #1 and largest gym franchise in the world. To date, it has over 370 territories sold and over 250 gyms open in Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, and is preparing to open its first gym in Vietnam. In Asia, it is a five-time Franchisor of the Year and four-time International Franchisor of the Year awardee of the Franchise Licensing Association. In addition, the brand has also been recognized 7 years in a row as Franchise 500 Best of the Best and #1 in Category by Entrepreneur Magazine. Leading the company is Anytime Fitness Asia CEO, Rey Bolivar.