Providence Equity to Acquire Fitness Park as European Gym Consolidation Accelerates

The private equity firm, which also owns VivaGym, is poised to control two of Europe’s largest fitness chains, with more than 900 combined locations

Providence Equity Partners is doubling down on Europe’s gym market, reaching an agreement to acquire French low-price fitness giant Fitness Park in a deal that would give the private equity firm ownership of two of the continent’s largest gym chains.

The acquisition, announced Wednesday, comes two years after Providence purchased Spain-based VivaGym, which has since expanded to more than 450 locations across Spain and Portugal.

Fitness Park, meanwhile, operates more than 467 clubs serving over 1.7 million members, primarily in France, with an international presence spanning Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Italy.

Together, Fitness Park and VivaGym would give Providence control of a network spanning more than 900 gyms, making the firm an increasingly powerful player in Europe’s competitive fitness market.

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, although Providence was reportedly among the frontrunners to acquire Fitness Park last month with a bid of approximately €600 million ($685 million).

Providence is acquiring Fitness Park from founder Philippe Herbette and investors Future French Champions, Momentum Invest and M Capital Partners. Herbette will remain involved as chairman, working alongside the company’s management team, led by Gaëtan Dubuisson.

“We know the European fitness sector well and see significant opportunity to continue building scale in a market we believe is benefiting from strong structural growth,” said Robert Sudo, senior managing director at Providence.

The firm plans to support Fitness Park’s continued expansion in France and internationally, including through its franchise network. Fitness Park is also preparing to enter Belgium.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.

European Gym Consolidation Heats Up

Providence’s latest acquisition adds to a wave of dealmaking reshaping Europe’s fitness industry, particularly among low-cost and high-value gym operators.

Earlier this year, VivaGym acquired fellow Spanish gym chain Synergym, pushing its footprint past 450 locations.

Basic-Fit, another European fitness giant, has also been active on the acquisition front, purchasing German operator Wellyou this year after acquiring Clever Fit in 2025. Meanwhile, U.K.-based PureGym recently agreed to acquire Swiss gym operator NonStop Gym for £235 million, a deal that will significantly expand its presence in Switzerland.

The flurry of transactions reflects growing investor interest in European fitness businesses, where consolidation can help operators achieve greater scale, reduce costs and accelerate expansion into new markets.

In an August interview with Athletech News, Carlsquare CEO Michael Moritz predicted that Europe’s low-cost gym market would see more consolidation as private equity firms and strategic buyers pursue regional density and operating efficiencies.

“Private equity is definitely back in the game,” he said.

Providence’s growing portfolio illustrates that strategy.

The firm acquired VivaGym in 2024, when the chain operated just over 100 clubs and served approximately 315,000 members. Following its acquisition of Synergym, VivaGym has grown into one of the Iberian Peninsula’s largest fitness operators.

The companies haven’t yet announced plans to combine the Fitness Park and VivaGym brands, although previous reports suggested they could eventually operate under a shared holding company while maintaining separate identities.