credit: David Lloyd Leisure
The sale would be significant, as David Lloyd is the largest health and fitness operator in Europe

TDR Capital, a London-based private equity firm, is reportedly contemplating the sale of health and fitness club chain David Lloyd Leisure in a possible £2 billion ($2.6 billion) deal.

Morgan Stanley is advising TDR Capital on an auction of the fitness chain, according to Reuters.

Sources tell the publication that TDR is expected to proceed with an auction later this year should there be sufficient interest, but a decision has yet to be made.

TDR Capital acquired David Lloyd Leisure in November 2013 from London & Regional Properties and Caird Capital LLP. The firm had attempted a similar sale of David Lloyd in 2017.

According to a statement on TDR Capital’s website, the private equity firm followed David Lloyd for many years, believing it to be a “unique leisure concept and a premium property-backed asset.”

The sale would be significant, as the health and fitness group is Europe’s largest, with over 730,000 members and 131 clubs comprising brands David Lloyd Clubs, Harbour Clubs and David Lloyd Meridian Spa and Fitness in Germany. 

credit: David Lloyd Leisure

According to an annual report and financial statement for 2021, the fitness operator noted that COVID-19 had a short-term negative impact on its member base, but stated the bounceback driven by strong performance in new membership sales had been “fantastic.” 

Overall, David Lloyd Leisure reported that it remained confident in its business model, considering there to be substantial opportunity in the U.K. and European health and fitness market. The fitness operator recorded an increase in revenue when compared to the year prior, £341.3 million up from £238.7 million.

David Lloyd Leisure’s website is currently inaccessible and, according to a server status checker, has been down for over a week. However, the David Lloyd career site seems to be active. 

TDR Capital declined to comment on the sale rumors.

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