The UK’s second largest private gym operator has introduced 10-year franchise agreements for both new and existing franchisees.
Having previously offered a maximum term of five years, the move gives franchisees a longer timescale to establish their clubs and recover their initial investment.
Anytime Fitness’ banking partners were instrumental in the decision, with NatWest recommending the move in order to provide additional support to franchisees.
Stuart Broster, Anytime Fitness UK CEO, says: “The introduction of 10-year franchise agreements increases the attractiveness of opening an Anytime Fitness club.
“We appreciate opening a franchise comes with a significant personal investment and longer-term agreements offer franchisees an added level of reassurance that they have the time to establish their club and turn it into a success.
“As we continue to grow, an ongoing challenge is the availability of property and these longer-term agreements also offer security to potential landlords. Having a tenant for a longer period represents a safer investment for them and could help provide an edge in competitive tender processes.”
Anytime Fitness has over 140 clubs in the UK, with the 2018 State of the UK Fitness Industry report stating the brand has overtaken leading names DW Fitness First and The Gym Group in terms of size by number of sites.