US high-value, low cost operator, Crunch Fitness, has opened its first location in India, marking the brand’s entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness markets.

The franchise segment is a fast moving and dynamic part of the industry. Kath Hudson rounds up some of the major deals and developments of the last 12 months, including former Xponential Fitness CEO, Anthony Geisler, arriving back on the scene.

Global boutique franchisor, Xponential Fitness has posted a net loss of US$98.7 million for the full year and is re-stating its 2023 financial position. This was against a profit of US$37.5 million in 2023.

Crunch Fitness has signed a master franchise agreement for India, with the aim of opening at least 75 gyms.

Boutique franchisor, Xponential Fitness has bolstered its senior leadership team with four new appointments, following the departure of key personnel last year.

President of Xponential Fitness, Sarah Luna, has left the company – one of the world’s leading franchisors of health and fitness brands – her last day was Friday, 13 December.

As Crunch Fitness gears up to be sold, Kate Cracknell talks to CEO Jim Rowley about its journey to profitability

As iconic fitness brand Crunch celebrates its 35th birthday, CEO Jim Rowley tells HCM about building it up from the ashes and his aspirations to make it a global brand.

The president of Crunch Fitness, Chequan Lewis, says the company is accelerating its growth plans as it celebrates its 35th anniversary.

Xponential Fitness has appointed sales and franchise expert, Mark King, as CEO, to take the company forward following Anthony Geisler’s abrupt exit in May.

Some of the biggest players in the global fitness, health and wellness industry are embracing franchising to achieve their growth ambitions. Kath Hudson rounds up recent activity

Xponential Fitness today indefinitely suspended founder and CEO, Anthony Geisler, saying it had been notified on 7 May that the company is facing a legal challenge by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

US gym chain, Crunch Fitness, has bolstered its global expansion plans with the appointment of John Kersh as managing director of international development.

John Kersh has announced he is leaving boutique franchisor, Xponential Fitness, after eight years with the company – seven of the driving international growth across multiple brands and the best part of a year with Pure Barre.

The market for health and fitness franchises has been growing strongly for the last 20 years, to the point where it's now a substantial part of the sector, drawing in substantial investment and scaling rapidly. Kath Hudson looks at how centralised systems and a mature business model underpin success.

Xponential Fitness has signed a master franchise agreement in France for its Club Pilates brand.

Hot on the heels of a four-brand deal with Kuwait, John Kersh, chief international development officer at Xponential Fitness, has brokered a master franchise agreement in Japan for Rumble and AKT.

Xponential Fitness has signed a Master Franchise Agreement with Kuwaiti real estate company Aqarat for brands Rumble, Club Pilates, StretchLab and CycleBar. The deal will see at least eight studios open in Kuwait in ten years with additional openings possible, depending on market conditions.

Boxing-inspired fitness operator Rumble has signed a master franchise agreement in Australia, which could see at least 100 studios open in the country over the next five years.

Xponential Fitness has entered the Saudi Arabian gym market with the launch of five boutique studios in capital city Riyadh.

Xponential Fitness has signed a master franchise deal for its Club Pilates brand in Singapore, signalling the company's plans to expand into Southeast Asia.

Xponential Fitness has revealed plans to take its portfolio of boutique fitness brands onto the German and Austrian markets.

Xponential Fitness has signed a master franchise deal to open 100 Club Pilates studios in South Korea over the next five years.

The founder of Xponential Fitness, Anthony Geisler, discusses the secrets behind his success, and tells us why franchising is key to crushing the big box chains

Xponential Fitness has acquired Pure Barre, one of the largest barre franchises in the US – making it the seventh business in Xponential's rapidly growing portfolio of fitness brands.

US-based Xponential Fitness has acquired San Diego-based boutique chain Yoga Six – making it the sixth fitness brand in Xponential's rapidly growing portfolio.

Indoor cycling chain CycleBar will open its first site in London's Nine Elms in the coming weeks, signalling the brand's entry into the UK market.

We talk to the new UK master franchisor for Xponential Fitness brand CycleBar

David Minton reports from California on the latest fitness concepts

US-based Xponential Fitness has revealed plans to take its portfolio of brands global through a master franchise strategy.