Urban Gym Group acquires Gymbox

The Netherlands-based Urban Gym Group (UGG) has acquired Sparring Partners Holdings, owner of UK-based boutique fitness operator Gymbox.

As part of the deal, Gymbox’s senior leadership team – Marc Diaper (CEO), Scott Vernon (chief financial officer), and David Cooper (co-founder) – will exit the business. Marc Diaper, CEO of Gymbox commented: “This acquisition is testament to the incredible work our team has put into growing the brand and consistently delivering the most unique fitness and lifestyle experiences to Londoner’s for more than 20 years.

“I’d like to thank each and every team member both past and present for their contributions to the successes over the years. With over 50 years of service at Gymbox between us, the timing feels right for the exec team to exit and we wish the team at UGG all the best for the future.”

Gymbox’s transition and integration into the UGG portfolio will be led by CEO, Neil Randall, and chief financial officer, Pascal Averdijk. UGG operates more than 40 clubs and studios in major cities across the Netherlands.

The integration will include the development of a brand-new flagship club in Finsbury Park, London, along with further investments into the current estate. Randall said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Gymbox into the Urban Gym Group portfolio. Gymbox is an iconic brand with a unique personality, and there are great synergies between our brands.

UGG operates studios and gyms under a number of brands, including TrainMore, Clubsportive, BTY CLB and Renessence.