ATN looks back at some of the industry’s biggest deals this year, which included major moves in gyms/studios, digital tech and fitness equipment
As 2025 approaches, it’s a time for reflection. Here are some of the key mergers and acquisitions that have shaped the fitness, wellness, nutrition, and technology sectors this year:
Gyms & Studios
The fitness and wellness industry witnessed one of its biggest merger deals in history earlier in 2024, with fitness franchise Orangetheory Fitness and Self Esteem Brands (the parent company of Anytime Fitness) leading the way. The two entities are now under newly formed holding company, Purpose Brands, which is led by former Topgolf CEO Tom Leverton.
Genesis Health Clubs, a privately-owned health club operator, strengthened its presence this year after acquiring The Atlantic Club, giving Genesis a presence in the East Coast fitness market.
LA Fitness, meanwhile, acquired XSport Fitness in 2024, bolstering its footprint in New York, Chicago and Virginia with 35 gyms that will be rebranded under one of Fitness International’s (the parent company of LA Fitness) four brands.
Similarly, Virginia-based Acac Fitness & Wellness centers scooped up La Maison Health & Fitness, a family-owned fitness club that served Pennsylvania residents.
In October, World Fitness Services (WFS), the parent company of World Gym Taiwan, moved to acquire Los Angeles-based World Gym International, handing WFS total control of the entire World Gym network and positioning the brand for more global expansion.
Urban Gym Group (UGG) also joined the action, acquiring Sparring Partners Holdings, owners of the London-based boutique gym brand Gymbox, while 26North made a successful play for Onelife Fitness.
Rounding out 2024 is PureGym, a leading U.K. gym operator that beat out Planet Fitness to acquire 67 Blink Fitness gyms in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The gyms will be rebranded under the PureGym label in 2025, and a franchising model could be on the horizon.
Fitness Equipment
There’s also been considerable activity outside of the brick-and-mortar M&A space. FitLab, the multi-brand performance lifestyle company behind Nike Studios, acquired both equipment manufacturer Assault Fitness and performance equipment and apparel brand RPM Training this year after securing $65 million in strategic financing from Atlas Credit Partners.
Fitness equipment leader Echelon is advancing its efforts in recovery following its acquisition this year of ThriveX, known for its advanced recovery solutions such as cold immersion therapy systems, smart hybrid saunas and compression boots.
Fitnessmith also made a bold move to secure Gym Source USA’s commercial equipment, maintenance, and service divisions.
Apps
In the app space, Outside Inc. acquired MapMyFitness from Under Armour as it looks to scale its digital platform in the outdoor and active lifestyle realm, while TrainingPeaks bought virtual cycling platform IndieVelo.
Corporate Wellness/B2B
Corporate wellness is set to boom following deals by fit tech leader EGYM, which purchased FitReserve, a U.S.-based studio and gym network. HealthFitness, a Trustmark company, also just acquired Corporate Fitness Works (CFW), an on-site and virtual fitness management solutions provider that manages 70 corporate fitness centers.
Smart ring maker Oura recently acquired software company Sparta Science to advance its B2B offerings.
Nutrition & Supplements
PepsiCo scooped up Siete while Gen Z-favorite Ghost, a sports nutrition brand, was acquired by food and beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper.
The deal-making continues, as Pure Protein owner 1440 Foods acquired protein bar brand FitCrunch last month as “better-for-you” food and beverage options gain steam among health-conscious consumers.
While it remains to be seen what 2025 has in store, the bigger question may be who will be the next to announce a deal.
