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Kettlebells weights in a workout gym. Pure Gym is buying LA Fitness.
Pure Gym is strengthening its portfolio with its acquisition of LA Fitness. Photograph: Alamy
Pure Gym is strengthening its portfolio with its acquisition of LA Fitness. Photograph: Alamy

Pure Gym buys LA Fitness

This article is more than 8 years old

Budget chain will have portfolio of 141 gyms if takeover is approved

Britain’s budget gym operator Pure Gym has acquired LA Fitness and its 43 clubs, ending a battle for the chain in an increasingly competitive market.

Pure Gym, which operates 98 fitness centres across the UK, said on Friday it would take over its rival and its clubs. Exact details of how much the takeover cost were not published. Market commentary in March put the value of the deal at £80m with Fitness First and Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct also suggested as possible suitors.

“This transaction represents a good deal for members of both Pure Gym and LA Fitness as well as other consumers that are hungry for more affordable fitness options,” Pure Gym’s chief executive, Humphrey Cobbold, said.

“Overall demand for affordable, high quality, and no-contract fitness centres is continuing to grow, served by a range of providers in a highly competitive market-place. With the addition of the LA Fitness sites, Pure Gym will continue to innovate with new facilities, technologies and services for our existing and prospective members.”

The LA Fitness sites will be converted into Pure Gym clubs. Pure Gym now owns 141 gyms. It plans to open 16 sites this year.

The chief executive of LA Fitness, Martin Long, said the company was trading well with strong customer loyalty: “This transaction will give users of LA Fitness access to high-quality fitness centres through a network of existing and new gyms. I am confident that our facilities and members will benefit from Pure Gym’s investment and attractive proposition.”

Until the Competition and Markets Authority approves Pure Gym’s plans, the businesses will operate separately. If the regulator decides that some of the LA Fitness gyms cannot be changed to Pure Gym clubs for competition reasons, it is likely that they will be sold on.

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