#USA #New Jersey #Eagle Merchant Partners #Club Pilates #Aligned Fitness

Aligned Fitness Expands Its Reach with New Jersey Acquisition

Aligned Fitness Holdings, a prominent operator within the Club Pilates system, has made headlines with its recent acquisition of six successful Club Pilates locations in central New Jersey. This strategic move not only broadens Aligned’s national footprint but also highlights its growth strategy through beneficial partnerships within the boutique fitness market.

The new studios, which were previously operated by respected entrepreneurs Gary Laden and the duo of Karen and Todd Spidare, will now be integrated into Aligned Fitness’s expansive portfolio, which currently boasts 61 studios in multiple states. The transition is seen as a substantial leap by the company, marking its formal entry into the New Jersey fitness scene.

Jon Smith, co-founder of Aligned Fitness, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Gary, Todd, and Karen have built formidable businesses characterized by dedicated teams, loyal members, and excellent community reputations. We are thrilled to welcome them into the Aligned family and look forward to building upon the solid foundation they've established.”

Founded in 2016, Aligned Fitness has scaled up from its original six studios in Raleigh, North Carolina, proving itself as a strong player recognized for its operational consistency and commitment to the Club Pilates methodology. This growth trajectory has been significantly backed by a partnership with the Atlanta-based private equity firm Eagle Merchant Partners, which focuses on investing within the health, wellness, and consumer services spaces.

Jake Rubenstein from Eagle Merchant Partners shared insights regarding the industry, noting, “These acquisitions reflect the continued strength of the boutique fitness category and the significant opportunity we see within the Club Pilates ecosystem. Aligned has established itself as a highly respected operator with a disciplined growth strategy, and we believe there remains substantial runway for expansion through partnerships with best-in-class franchisees.”

The future looks bright for Aligned Fitness as Smith points out the ongoing potential for consolidation within the boutique fitness industry. The team remains vigilant in identifying franchisees who share similar cultural and operational values that align with Aligned's long-term vision.

“We believe there is significant opportunity ahead,” Smith added, emphasizing the strong consumer appeal of the Club Pilates brand. “We are actively looking for the right franchise partners who want to continue growing alongside us.”

With this acquisition, Aligned Fitness not only enhances its market presence but also positions itself to cater to an ever-growing clientele in New Jersey, tapping into the increasing demand for high-quality fitness offerings.

About Eagle Merchant Partners

Founded with a focus on supporting founder-owned businesses in the Southeastern United States, Eagle Merchant Partners aims to leverage opportunities within franchise, multi-unit, and commercial services sectors. The firm prides itself on its collaborative approach, closely partnering with management teams to drive long-term, scalable value. For those interested in knowing more about their investment strategies and portfolio, visit eaglemerchantpartners.com.