Wigan Athletic owner buys Fitness First UK
Fitness First UK and its 62 clubs have been acquired by DW Sports who are owned by Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan.
Fitness First UK, who primarily operate in London and the South East have been purchased by the North West based DW Sports. The deal is planned to help DW Sports to "strengthen and broaden its offering in the South of England" according to owner Dave Whelan.
The plan by DW Sports is to retain 48 of the acquired sites with contracts being exchanged with other operators for the disposal of the 14 Fitness First sites that they don't feature in future plans.
The Fitness First brand will be retained and DW Sports hope to build its offering and reputation using investment and support.
Whelan, who also owns Wigan Athletic, said: "We are delighted to announce our acquisition of Fitness First UK whose great reputation, enviable brand and positive culture will strengthen and broaden our offering in the South. Fitness First has traded well since the significant investment in its brand portfolio and DW Sports intends to continue that investment while ensuring the Fitness First brand remains."
Seibold said: "We are greatly encouraged by the acquisition and feel that DW Sports shares our ethos and values. We are proud to have transformed Fitness First over the past four years and delighted to see the brand retained by DW Sports which is both a well-known and highly respected UK fitness operator."
JC