Anytime Fitness Expands in France with Acquisition of INTERVAL Sport Group
Anytime Fitness Expands Presence in France with Strategic Acquisition
In a significant development for the fitness industry, Anytime Fitness, a leading name in gym franchises, has made headlines with the acquisition of INTERVAL Sport Fitness Group. This strategic move is set to broaden the Anytime Fitness brand's influence across France.
On August 11, 2026, Purpose Brands, the parent company behind Anytime Fitness, announced that their master franchisee in France had successfully acquired INTERVAL Sport. As part of this deal, ten INTERVAL locations will be transitioned into Anytime Fitness clubs, further solidifying the brand's footprint within the French fitness market. Currently, Anytime France operates three clubs situated in key regions including Île-de-France (Paris), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Sander van den Born, the Chief International Officer at Purpose Brands, shared insights into this acquisition's implications for growth. With Anytime Fitness celebrating the opening of its 6,000th location, van den Born mentioned that 500 new clubs are projected to launch globally in the current year. He emphasized that the focus on strength training and recovery trends in Europe makes for a timely and natural expansion into the French market. He expressed confidence in Anytime France's ability to execute this growth, leveraging local expertise as a vital component of their strategy.
This acquisition brings exciting changes, as new team members and club members from INTERVAL Sport will integrate into the Anytime Fitness ecosystem. Benoit Hanssen and Matt Burgess, the owners of Anytime France, view this transition as an opportunity to enhance the fitness experience for all members involved. "Welcoming 10 new locations, along with 23 team members and 14,000 existing members from INTERVAL Sport, into our family is a fantastic growth opportunity," Hanssen stated. He added that ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining high standards of service for all members will be their primary focus moving forward.
Stacy Anderson, Global Brand President at Anytime Fitness, highlighted the strategic importance of this growth strategy, stating, "This acquisition embodies the community-first approach we seek across Europe. By partnering with robust country operators like Anytime France, we can enhance our presence in vital new locations." She also emphasized the aim of diversifying club offerings to meet the needs of local members while adhering to Anytime Fitness's overarching brand standards.
Anytime Fitness has earned its reputation as one of the fastest-growing fitness brands worldwide. The franchise offers personalized training, nutritional guidance, and recovery resources through its app and at its locations, all with round-the-clock accessibility. Currently boasting 5.6 million members globally at over 6,000 clubs across more than 40 countries, Anytime Fitness continues to thrive in the competitive fitness landscape.
The acquisition of INTERVAL Sport not only adds more locations to the Anytime Fitness portfolio but also signifies the brand's commitment to fostering community and maintaining a solid presence across Europe. As they embark on this exciting chapter of expansion, Anytime Fitness strives to uphold and promote high-quality fitness experiences that cater to the unique needs of their expanding member base.
The fitness industry is witnessing a pivotal moment in France, and with Anytime France at the forefront, the future looks promising for both the brand and its members.