Mastrov, one of the fitness industry\u2019s most iconic figures, is returning to the gym brand he founded as owner and executive chair, partnering with LongRange Capital to drive growth<\/p>\n
One of the first fitness industry deals of 2026 sees 24 Hour Fitness reuniting with its founder.<\/p>\n
The gym chain said Wednesday that founder Mark Mastrov\u2014who scaled the business from a single club to 420 locations and 4.5 million members before selling it in 2005 in a deal valued at\u00a0more than $1.6 billion<\/a>\u2014is returning as owner and executive chair after partnering with LongRange Capital to acquire 24 Hour Fitness.<\/p>\n \u201cMark founded and built 24 Hour Fitness into the powerhouse brand it is today, and the organization is inspired and energized by his return,\u201d 24 Hour Fitness president and CEO Karl Sanft said. \u201cWith the business stronger than ever and our investments aligned with what members value most, this is the perfect time to welcome him back. Together with LongRange Capital, we\u2019re ready to accelerate our growth story.\u201d<\/p>\n The deal was first reported by Axios, which noted that 24 Hour Fitness is currently down to around 240 locations following pandemic-era struggles. <\/p>\n With the deal now in place, 24 Hour Fitness said it plans to announce new initiatives, partnerships and global expansion plans throughout the year.<\/p>\n \u201cLongRange Capital was founded on the belief that through strategic support, patient capital and a focus on delivering greater value for customers, companies can develop into exceptional businesses over the medium- and ultimately long-term,\u201d LongRange Capital founder and managing partner Bob Berlin said. \u201c24 Hour Fitness has an iconic legacy and significant opportunity ahead, and we\u2019re excited to partner with Mark, Karl and the exceptional team at 24 Hour Fitness during this next phase of growth.\u201d<\/p>\n The deal follows a new campaign from 24 Hour Fitness highlighting remodeled locations equipped with upgraded equipment,\u00a0general managers certified in personal training<\/a>, dozens of clubs featuring\u00a0Recovery24, a dedicated recovery zone<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0select locations offering Reformer24 studios for Pilates fans.<\/p>\n