UK news update


Health club sector M&A activity on the rise: report


The health club sector is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect for investors, as evidenced by a significant jump in the number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) seen over the past year. There were 19 M&A transactions alone in


2014, compared to an overall total of 24 in the three years previously, found the European Health & Fitness Market Report 2014. The report – presented last month


by Karsten Hollasch of Deloitte at the European Health & Fitness Forum (EHFF) in Cologne, Germany – observed an industry that has escaped the doldrums of recession and is fast becoming an attractive prospect thanks to its growth. It noted that the large majority of activity was being driven by strategic investors and financial investors rather than private individuals, with only one of the 19 M&A transactions being driven by the latter during 2014. Details: http://lei.sr?a=t5e9C


‘Make physical activity the priority’, say MPs


FIBO show hits new heights


Last month’s FIBO international trade show for fitness, wellness and health, held in Cologne, Germany, attracted a record 138,000 visitors over the course of the four-day event. The show has gone from strength to


strength, having almost tripled attendance figures over the past five years. This year it recorded a 19 per cent visitor increase on 2014’s show, as 725 exhibitors from 40 nations showcased their latest products. “FIBO is among the leading trade fairs, with


the strongest growth momentum worldwide,” says Hans-Joachim Erbel, CEO of organiser Reed Exhibitions Deutschland. “The scale


of this development is unparalleled in the international trade fair business.” The gargantuan Exhibition Centre Cologne


played host to FIBO 2015, which occupied 130,000sq m (1,399,308sq ft) of floor space. Organisers say next year’s event will cover even more ground, with over 80 per cent of FIBO 2016’s stand space booked already. Health Club Management was on hand


throughout FIBO 2015, live reporting on the latest developments throughout the show and posting them straight to the HCM website. To check out the highlights, follow the link below. Details: http://lei.sr?a=h4g2G


The event featured a number of live fitness classes and product demonstrations Committee chair Dr Sarah Wollaston MP


Tackling physical inactivity must become a frontline health priority for the UK’s next government, ahead of the separate issue of obesity, says a recently published report from the Health Select Committee. The report highlights the “huge health benefits” of physical activity and notes individual lifestyle interventions need to be underpinned by broader initiatives designed to improve the health of the population. “The extraordinary benefits of exercise


in improving physical and mental health should be made clear and accessible to everyone, whatever their current level of fitness,” said chair of the committee Dr Sarah Wollaston MP. “The committee calls on the NHS, local authorities and the next government to work together to prioritise prevention and public health, and we have set out achievable recommendations which could help to transform lives and wellbeing.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=k3K2c


10 Virgin Active to be sold to investors


Global fitness chain Virgin Active has been sold to South African investment firm Brait in a deal that values the business at approximately £1.3bn (US$1.9bn, €1.8bn). Virgin Active h as


perennially been linked to potential IPOs – both on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges – however a company spokesperson told Health Club Management that the deal means there are now no plans for a listing in the immediate future. Brait will acquire an 80 per cent stake in the health club operation, which was founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1999. Virgin Group will retain a 20 per cent stake. The chain has 267 clubs worldwide and is Europe’s largest


Read Health Club Management online at healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital


The global gym chain was founded by Sir Richard Branson


health club group by revenue. “We’re delighted to play a part in this alongside Brait, another long-term investor with a strong track record in growing businesses,” said Branson. Details: http://lei.sr?a=N6t5b


May 2015 © Cybertrek 2015


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