Possible float of a major gym chain

By Ryan on November 6th, 2007

Sir Richard Branson’s gyms business, Virgin Active, is being groomed for a stock market float that could value the company at about £1bn.

Many of Britain’s major gym chains, Fitness First, LA Fitness and Cannons just to name a few are now owned by private equity groups. Private equity has been attracted to gym companies because they have traditionally had strong asset backing, such as freehold properties, and there has been the potential to consolidate the industry further. (thebusiness.co.uk)

Virgin is all speculation at present, time will tell as the gym market becomes increasingly competitive and big movers continue to flex their muscles.