The new studios will bring Club Pilates’ international reach to 11 countries outside of North America
Club Pilates has signed a master franchise agreement in the United Kingdom, with the first studio expected to open in 2023.
The agreement, which includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, gives the master franchisee the opportunity to license at least 50 Club Pilates studios over the next 10 years.
The new studios will bring the brand’s international reach to 11 countries outside of North America, following master franchise agreements in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Dominican Republic, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Austria, Germany, and Spain.
This deal marks parent company Xponential Fitness’ first master franchise agreement in the UK.
Xponential Fitness established its presence in the region in the first quarter of 2022 with a direct franchise territory sale for its portfolio brand Body Fit Training.
Behind the master franchise agreement in the UK is Richard Uku, founder of Deblankson Fitness Group and a multi-unit franchisee of Club Pilates and sister brand, AKT, in the US.
Since he became involved with Club Pilates in 2016, Richard has always had a desire to take the brand back to the UK.
“Richard Uku is a seasoned Club Pilates owner and we look forward to teaming up with him to debut Club Pilates in the United Kingdom,” said John Kersh, chief international development officer of Xponential Fitness. “UK expansion is an important goal for Xponential Fitness, and we know that Richard will hone the skills he’s developed as an owner in the US to bring the life-changing benefits of Pilates to millions of Britons.”
He added: “In the UK today, Pilates using the Reformer and other equipment is still a niche offering within this market and there are no brands with a national presence.
“This creates a great opportunity for Club Pilates to establish itself and grow in the UK market in a similar way as it has done in the US market. The Deblankson Fitness Group team is very excited to have the responsibility of bringing the Club Pilates brand to the UK.”