McDonell and Peil take over ownership of AnyTime

Justin McDonell and Richard Peil, the entrepreneurs behind Anytime Fitness Australia, have acquired a majority shareholding in the Anytime Fitness UK and Ireland Master Franchise.

The acquisition sees McDonell and Peil joined by RM UK, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Purpose Brands (the global owner of the Anytime Fitness brand), and existing shareholder Marcello Jimenez.

McDonell and Peil have built Anytime Fitness Australia into the country’s largest gym network, with more than 580 clubs and over 700,000 members. They will now look to strengthen the brand’s position across the UK and Ireland, where there are currently more than 180 Anytime Fitness clubs.

Commenting on the acquisition, Richard Peil said: “This is a proud moment for us. Anytime Fitness is a globally respected brand, and we’re excited to bring our experience and passion to the UK. With a strong network already established and a thriving fitness industry, we see enormous potential to build on the excellent foundations laid to date.”

McDonell added: “We’ve grown a values-driven business in Australia by prioritising club standards, franchisee success, and member satisfaction. We firmly believe these principles are universal and we’re excited to apply them here in the UK to support network growth and deliver greater value to members. “We’re committed to fostering long-term, sustainable growth, driven by collaboration, quality and a deep commitment to our people. This marks an exciting new chapter for Anytime Fitness in the UK and Ireland.”