05 Apr 2019
Anytime Fitness plans to enter German market – former Fitness First CEO to lead expansion
BY Tom Walker
Franchise operator Anytime Fitness has revealed plans to enter the highly competitive German fitness market.
The company has appointed a European-based master franchising team and will open an Anytime-branded corporate gym later this year.
The master franchising team, led by fitness industry veteran Stefan Tilk and business partner Ashish Sensarma, will begin searching for franchisees to open additional gyms on the German market from 2020.
Tilk spent nine years as CEO of Fitness First Germany, while Sensarma is a veteran apparel executive in the branded retail and digital space.
Tilk believes the Anytime concept will thrive on the cut-throat German market.
"Anytime Fitness is present on six continents and we're confident our gyms will be successful in Germany as well," he said.
"There are many reasons why the business model has flourished in more than 30 countries. Benefits and programming for Anytime Fitness members are constantly evolving and expanding."
Anytime Fitness has grown its European portfolio at a rapid pace in recent years.
In the UK, the chain has opened 160 locations in the past eight years. It also operates 80 clubs across the Benelux countries.
"We're incredibly pleased that Stefan and Ashish will be introducing Anytime Fitness to the people of Germany," said Dave Mortensen, Anytime Fitness president and co-founder.
"We believe they have the fitness industry experience and the consumer satisfaction skills to produce rapid growth.
"Personally and professionally, we're tremendously impressed and we foresee great things for this dynamic duo – and their franchisee gym owners and members throughout Germany."
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