Lifetime has expanded its training portfolio following the acquisition of Rapido Training, the Gloucester-based provider of vocational training for care and childcare workers.

It is anticipated that the deal will enable Lifetime to offer a wider range of apprenticeship schemes for the fitness and active leisure sector, as well as expanding the company's client base. Lifetime chief operating officer David Foster said: "Our strategic plan has always been to achieve strong organic growth, supported by the acquisition of relevant businesses.

"Like Lifetime, Rapido has built its business by delivering to the needs of employers, learners and the government needs. The sector expertise and experience of the management team at Rapido will be of great benefit to the business as a whole." Lifetime's acquisition of Rapido Training has come two months after it successfully completed the purchase of Norwich-based Rising Stars - both of which have been funded from existing cash resources.