The private equity firm, which also owns VivaGym, is poised to control two of Europe\u2019s largest fitness chains, with more than 900 combined locations<\/p>\n
Providence Equity Partners is doubling down on Europe\u2019s gym market, reaching an agreement to acquire French low-price fitness giant Fitness Park in a deal that would give the private equity firm ownership of two of the continent\u2019s largest gym chains.<\/p>\n
The acquisition, announced Wednesday, comes two years after Providence purchased Spain-based VivaGym, which has since expanded to more than 450 locations across Spain and Portugal.<\/p>\n
Fitness Park<\/a>, meanwhile, operates more than 467 clubs serving over 1.7 million members, primarily in France, with an international presence spanning Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Italy.<\/p>\n Together, Fitness Park and VivaGym would give Providence control of a network spanning more than 900 gyms, making the firm an increasingly powerful player in Europe\u2019s competitive fitness market.<\/p>\n Financial terms of the deal weren\u2019t disclosed, although Providence was reportedly among the frontrunners to acquire Fitness Park last month with a bid of approximately \u20ac600 million ($685 million).<\/p>\n Providence is acquiring Fitness Park from founder Philippe Herbette and investors Future French Champions, Momentum Invest and M Capital Partners. Herbette will remain involved as chairman, working alongside the company\u2019s management team, led by Ga\u00ebtan Dubuisson.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know the European fitness sector well and see significant opportunity to continue building scale in a market we believe is benefiting from strong structural growth,\u201d said Robert Sudo, senior managing director at Providence.<\/p>\n The firm plans to support Fitness Park\u2019s continued expansion in France and internationally, including through its franchise network. Fitness Park is also preparing to enter Belgium.<\/p>\n The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.<\/p>\n European Gym Consolidation Heats Up<\/p>\n Providence\u2019s latest acquisition adds to a wave of dealmaking reshaping Europe\u2019s fitness industry, particularly among low-cost and high-value gym operators.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, VivaGym acquired fellow Spanish gym chain Synergym<\/a>, pushing its footprint past 450 locations.<\/p>\n Basic-Fit, another European fitness giant, has also been active on the acquisition front, purchasing German operator Wellyou this year after acquiring Clever Fit in 2025. Meanwhile, U.K.-based PureGym recently agreed to acquire Swiss gym operator NonStop Gym<\/a> for \u00a3235 million, a deal that will significantly expand its presence in Switzerland.<\/p>\n The flurry of transactions reflects growing investor interest in European fitness businesses, where consolidation can help operators achieve greater scale, reduce costs and accelerate expansion into new markets.<\/p>\n