17/04/2018 - Market news
Clearwater International UK is appointed on the sale of énergie fitness
énergie fitness (“énergie”), the UK market leader in budget fitness club franchising, is positioning to deliver an aggressive rollout of its market leading concept.
Jan Spaticchia, Chairman and CEO, and co-founder of énergie, commented, “Our presence in the high growth budget segment of the fitness club market, our new and exciting boutique-style offering ‘Thé Yard’, and our pioneering franchise business model positions us at the nexus of three highly attractive areas of the fitness and wellness market.
“After refining the brand and business model over several years, we believe that now is the right time to accelerate our growth plan and aggressively roll out the énergie offering. As such, we have appointed Clearwater International and Canaccord Genuity as financial advisors to assist us with the selection of a new financing partner.”
Founded in 2003, énergie is the largest and fastest growing budget fitness franchise group in the UK with almost 100 clubs, c£30m network turnover and over 135,000 members across the UK, Republic of Ireland and Europe. énergie grants between 30 and 40 new franchises every year and already has 26 clubs scheduled for opening in 2018. énergie pioneered fitness club franchising in the early 2000’s before any of the new entrants from the USA and Australia had entered the market. Understanding the huge growth potential of the budget fitness market, énergie has developed a strong foothold and market-leading position.
It is clear in particular from the USA and Australian markets that the ‘fast growth / low capital’ franchising model provides a significant competitive advantage. This, in turn, creates an incredible platform for growth.
It is anticipated that a new financing partner will provide liquidity for legacy shareholders who are currently invested in the business, whilst also providing growth capital. The management team, which has recently announced the addition of industry veteran Neil King as COO, are likely to remain shareholders in the business.
Clearwater International is an award-winning, independent, mid-market corporate finance firm, with 15 offices across Europe, North America and Asia. Clearwater International recently advised Fitness Hut (Portuguese low-cost gym group) on its investment from Viva Gym and previously advised Gymbox on its growth capital investment from BGF.
Canaccord Genuity is an independent, full service financial services firm with offices in 10 countries worldwide. Canaccord Genuity previously advised LA Fitness on its sale to Pure Gym.
