The fitness chain Basic Fit is taking over the German industry peer Clever Fit, founded in 2007.
With this acquisition, Basic Fit says it will become the largest operator of fitness clubs in Europe and also the market leader in Germany.
In addition, through the takeover Basic Fit expands into 12 European countries. Currently, the company is present in just 6 European countries.
The purchase price is 160 million euros in cash, plus an additional 15 million euros if certain targets are met by Clever Fit. Through the acquisition the club portfolio of Basic Fit will grow to more than 2,150. The number of customers of Basic Fit itself grew in the first nine months of this year to 4.73 million.
The takeover follows the acquisition of 47 fitness clubs from RSG Spain by Basic Fit at the end of 2023.
According to a statement, customers and franchisees of Clever Fit will benefit from the experience of Basic Fit in the areas of real estate, marketing, equipment and technological knowledge. CEO René Moos of Basic Fit describes the move as a good strategic combination and says Clever Fit has shown strong growth figures.
Clever Fit has about 1 million members and a total of 493 clubs, the vast majority owned by franchisees. In Germany it concerns 406 clubs, in Austria 48, in Switzerland 20, in Slovenia 15 and in Romania 2. In addition, the company has 1 club each in Croatia and the Czech Republic.
