In our Consumer Goods, Retail, E-Commerce SektorReport for Q3 2024, we focus on the fitness market, in particular fitness service providers such as gyms and fitness aggregators. To this end, we look at market developments before, during and after the coronavirus pandemic, discuss key corporate transactions during this period and analyze the takeover of the fitness aggregator myClubs in Austria by Urban Sports Club in September.

The coronavirus pandemic has shaken up the fitness market. Many fitness studios were no longer able to offer their services due to legal restrictions. To avoid losing members, alternatives such as online courses or outdoor classes were established. These new trends and the steady rise in health awareness have allowed previous niche market players to come to the fore.

Even after the pandemic, the demand for fitness activities did not fall. Thanks to the ability to easily access a wide range of offers online, many people no longer want to commit to just one type of sport. This demand has led to collaborations between gyms, wellness providers, etc. to offer consumers a complete package for a wide range of fitness activities without multiple memberships.

Some providers are trying to expand their own offering through acquisitions. The industry-standard subscription model with a predictable and steady cash flow has also attracted the attention of the private equity sector.

A prominent example of this development in the recent past is the takeover of myClubs by Urban Sports Club or the takeover of Eversports by Verdane, one of the shareholders of Urban Sports Club and we will take a closer look at this new trend and its impact on M&A in the fitness/sports market.

Our SektorReports are available in German language. If you have further questions regarding this topic, feel free to get in touch.