Key Takeaways
- • Providence Equity Partners has agreed to acquire French low-price gym operator Fitness Park, which would give the firm control of two of Europe's largest gym chains with more than 900 combined locations, according to Athletech News.
- • Fitness Park operates more than 467 clubs serving over 1.7 million members, primarily in France, with a presence in Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Italy.
- • Financial terms were not disclosed, though Providence was reportedly among the frontrunners last month with a bid of approximately €600 million ($685 million).
- • The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is being acquired from founder Philippe Herbette and investors Future French Champions, Momentum Invest and M Capital Partners.
- • The deal adds to a wave of European gym consolidation, including PureGym's agreement to buy NonStop Gym for £235 million and Basic-Fit's acquisitions of Wellyou and Clever Fit.
Summary
Providence Equity Partners has reached an agreement to acquire Fitness Park, the French low-price fitness operator, in a transaction announced on Wednesday. The deal would give Providence ownership of two of the continent's largest gym chains: Fitness Park, with more than 467 clubs and over 1.7 million members, and Spain-based VivaGym, which Providence purchased two years ago and which has since expanded to more than 450 locations across Spain and Portugal. Combined, the two networks would span more than 900 gyms.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Providence was reportedly among the leading bidders for Fitness Park last month with an offer of approximately €600 million ($685 million). Providence is acquiring the company from founder Philippe Herbette and investors Future French Champions, Momentum Invest and M Capital Partners, according to Athletech News and PEI Private Equity. Herbette will remain as chairman, working alongside a management team led by CEO Gaëtan Dubuisson. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.
Robert Sudo, senior managing director at Providence, said the firm sees significant opportunity to continue building scale in a European fitness market it believes is benefiting from strong structural growth. Providence plans to support Fitness Park's expansion in France and abroad, including through its franchise network, and Fitness Park is preparing to enter Belgium. The companies have not yet announced plans to combine the Fitness Park and VivaGym brands, although earlier reports suggested they could eventually sit under a shared holding company while keeping separate identities.
The acquisition is part of broader consolidation across Europe's low-cost gym sector. VivaGym recently acquired Spanish rival Synergym, and Basic-Fit has been active, buying German operator Wellyou this year after acquiring Clever Fit in 2025. PureGym agreed to acquire Swiss operator NonStop Gym for £235 million. Carlsquare CEO Michael Moritz, in an August interview with Athletech News, predicted further consolidation as private equity firms and strategic buyers pursue regional density and operating efficiencies, saying, "Private equity is definitely back in the game."
Financial terms were not disclosed. Providence was reportedly among the leading bidders for Fitness Park last month with an offer of approximately €600 million ($685 million). Providence is acquiring the company from founder Philippe Herbette and investors Future French Champions, Momentum Invest and M Capital Partners, according to Athletech News and PEI Private Equity. Herbette will remain as chairman, working alongside a management team led by CEO Gaëtan Dubuisson. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.
Robert Sudo, senior managing director at Providence, said the firm sees significant opportunity to continue building scale in a European fitness market it believes is benefiting from strong structural growth. Providence plans to support Fitness Park's expansion in France and abroad, including through its franchise network, and Fitness Park is preparing to enter Belgium. The companies have not yet announced plans to combine the Fitness Park and VivaGym brands, although earlier reports suggested they could eventually sit under a shared holding company while keeping separate identities.
The acquisition is part of broader consolidation across Europe's low-cost gym sector. VivaGym recently acquired Spanish rival Synergym, and Basic-Fit has been active, buying German operator Wellyou this year after acquiring Clever Fit in 2025. PureGym agreed to acquire Swiss operator NonStop Gym for £235 million. Carlsquare CEO Michael Moritz, in an August interview with Athletech News, predicted further consolidation as private equity firms and strategic buyers pursue regional density and operating efficiencies, saying, "Private equity is definitely back in the game."
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