EGYM Acquires Hussle in Corporate Wellness Push

credit: EGYM

The U.K.’s premier corporate wellness platform is now integrated with EGYM Wellpass, bolstering the fit tech giant’s health plans across Europe

Global fit tech company EGYM has made a deal to elevate the corporate wellness experience for employees across the U.K.

EGYM has acquired Hussle, a leading corporate wellness platform in the U.K., and will integrate Hussle into EGYM Wellpass, its corporate fitness network.

With a single discounted pass, EGYM Wellpass will now provide employers with unlimited access to a network of up to 1,500-plus gyms, pools and spas in 96% of U.K. regions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition news follows EGYM’s showcase at IHRSA 2024, which featured BioAge, a cutting-edge and measurable approach to fitness and health that assesses wellness across strength, cardio, flexibility and metabolism.

Launched in 2011, Hussle has forged successful B2B partnerships with companies such as AXA Health, Bupa and IWG and has served almost one million U.K. residents. The company has seen impressive growth, with its corporate sales increasing over 250% last year.

EGYM co-founder and CEO Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer said that from initial conversations with Hussle CEO Jamie Ward and chief operating officer Neil Harmsworth, it was clear that the two wanted to genuinely enhance the industry.

“Their enduring entrepreneurial spirit, particularly evident during the pandemic, is commendable,” Roesch-Schlanderer said. “Their track record in establishing an outstanding employee wellness company is truly inspiring. The NHS’s prioritization of prevention over repair provides significant opportunities. We wholeheartedly share this belief and are excited to begin this journey together.”

Employers who sign up for EGYM Wellness or Hussle will provide their staff with immediate access to roughly 14,500 fitness facilities in Germany, Austria, the U.K., France and Belgium, as well as online courses. Employees pay a participation fee to access the program, but as EGYM and Hussle point out, usable tax benefits can reduce the cost.

Corporate Wellness Grows Globally

Corporate wellness has been a hot topic globally, and in the U.K., it is projected to reach a market size of nearly £3 billion ($3.8 billion) over the next five years.

Proponents of corporate wellness programs praise systems like EGYM Wellpass and Hussle for their ability to help firms drive employee engagement and attract and retain top-tier talent. Corporate wellness programs can reduce absenteeism and burnout while promoting overall health and well-being. For fitness brands, the platforms can help drive attendance and brand recognition.

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“As I understood EGYM’s products better and listened to their vision, I realized I was looking at the future and wanted Hussle to be a part of it,” Ward said. “We started Hussle back in 2011 to make fitness easily available to everyone. Our vision has always relied on a super strong fitness industry, and the EGYM team shares that core belief. We’re delighted to help evolve EGYM’s vision into reality.”

EGYM, which raised $225M in July 2023, makes fitness equipment along with software (credit: EGYM)

EGYM Targets Europe

For EGYM, which raised $225 million last summer and is in full expansion mode, joining forces with Hussle marks the next evolution in the Munich-based company’s plans to expand Wellpass across Europe.

“Our mission is to foster health and well-being in every workplace,” said Nicolas Stadtelmeyer, Wellpass managing director. “With over 32 million employees and a €2.5 billion corporate wellness market, stepping into the U.K. market was a logical and strategic move. Following our entry into France, we now encompass the three largest European economies. The future holds great excitement for us.”