With the deal, one of the fitness industry’s most iconic brands changes hands. Its new owners are said to be eyeing global expansion
The parties announced that Los Angeles-based World Gym International has been acquired by World Fitness Services, Ltd, the parent company of World Gym Taiwan, the largest franchisee in the World Gym network.
The deal gives Taiwan-based World Fitness Services (WFS) control of the entire World Gym network, which now includes more than 230 franchised gyms on six continents, including many in the United States.
According to Taiwanese news reports, the deal is worth $9 million. Representatives from World Fitness International could not immediately confirm this figure to Athletech News.
Through its World Gym Taiwan subsidiary, WFS owns and operates 130 world gym Pre-acquisition location in Taiwan.
WFS Chairman John Caraccio will serve as interim CEO of World Gym International, and former WFS CEO Michael Sanciprian will serve as executive director.
Caraccio and Sanciprian grew World Gym Taiwan from one gym in 2001 to 130 by 2024, according to WFS. WFS said it intends to accelerate the global expansion of the World Gym brand and enhance the member experience.
“As long-term partners and passionate advocates of the World Gym brand, we are excited to lead the next phase of growth,” said Calasio. “We are committed to upholding the values ​​that have made World Gym an iconic brand in the fitness world, while driving innovation and expansion in international markets.”
According to Taiwan News, under the leadership of Calascio and Sancyprian, World Gym plans to add 30 to 100 new franchises each year in the next few years, eventually reaching 500 gyms worldwide.
The deal marks the change of hands for the World Gym brand, which was founded in Southern California in 1976 by Joe Gold, who also founded Gold’s Gym. Prior to the acquisition, World Fitness International was headquartered in Los Angeles and led by CEO Lewis Stanton.
In the 1970s and 1980s, World Gym was known as one of the most iconic fitness brands in the bodybuilding world, hosting Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno in its early days. Ferrigno and other legends. In recent years, the brand has tried to reposition itself as a more inclusive fitness concept, trying to get more women into strength training and leveraging technology to personalize workouts.
According to its LinkedIn page, World Gym currently has more than 230 franchised gyms in a handful of countries around the world. The brand has a significant presence in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Taiwan and the United States, as well as stores in countries such as Egypt, Germany and Mexico.
This is a developing story and may be updated with more information.
