03 Jul 2019
KPS completes Life Fitness acquisition
BY Andy Knaggs
The acquisition of commercial fitness equipment manufacturer Life Fitness by KPS Capital Partners has completed, following the initial announcement of its sale in May this year.
Under the deal, private equity firm KPS will pay US$490m (€434m, £388m) in cash to acquire the entire Life Fitness estate, which comprises the Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group, SCIFIT and Brunswick Billiards brands, from its previous owner, manufacturing conglomerate Brunswick Corporation.
KPS operates by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries. Within its portfolio are interests in branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing.
The company says it creates value for its investors by "working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better", and generates investment returns by "structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies".
Speaking at the time of the announcement of the deal in May, Jason Worthy, president of Chicago-headquartered Life Fitness, said: "We're excited about this incredible opportunity to collaborate with a firm with a tremendous track-record of working with similar companies.
"KPS recognises our world-class brand positioning, the value of our customer relationships, our iconic standing within the fitness industry, and our long-term earning potential."
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