• Loading stock data...
Thursday, December 12, 2024

Fitness Chain Virgin Active Expands Amid $118M Capital Raise

  • Virgin Active announced a capital raise that totals $118 million.
  • It also acquired the “nutrition assets” of the South Africa-based brand for $35.1 million.
Virgin Active/Design: Alex Brooks

London-based fitness chain Virgin Active is expanding from a gym company to a wholesale “combined fitness and nutrition” operation. To do so, the company has made two major moves: a capital raise and an acquisition. 

The capital raise totaling $118 million included retail billionaire Christo Wiese — who contributed $65.6 million to the effort — as well as the owners of Real Foods Group, who gave $23.8 million.

Virgin Active also acquired the “nutrition assets” of Real Foods for $35.1 million. 

  • The brands acquired include Kauai and NU restaurants.
  • Real Foods Group CEO, Dean Kowarski will also assume the role as Virgin Active’s CEO. 

The acquisition isn’t final, however, and still has to meet regulators’ approval.

Post-Pandemic Rebound

Virgin Active, which is owned by Virgin Group Ltd and the private equity firm Brait SE, is bouncing back after major financial problems during the pandemic.

The company saw many gyms close in South Africa and the U.K., all while rent costs piled up. It went through a restructure in May 2021 following the losses. 

Now, Virgin Active hopes to use pandemic-induced changes to consumer habits as a selling point. “The pandemic has accelerated people’s appetite to lead a healthier lifestyle,” the company said in a statement.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 22, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; TCU Horned Frogs center Sedona Prince (13) talks to media during Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center.

Athletes in Landmark House Case Ask for College Players’ Association

Plaintiffs in the House v. NCAA case want more than just revenue-sharing.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

The most exciting racing on water is making waves by rewriting the narrative of what’s possible for women in high-performance sports.
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Elon Musk looks on before Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Can Elon Musk’s X Fix Its Rampant Fake Sports News Problem?

Little is known about how X will enforce its new policy aimed at parody accounts.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Peloton Bike

Peloton Earnings Beat Expectations As It Still Loses Subscribers

Peloton tapped Peter Stern, former Ford executive and cofounder of Apple Fitness+, to be its new CEO.
A view of a Nike retail store in New York City.
August 15, 2024

Nike Shares Surge As Bill Ackman Invests, Igniting Turnaround Hopes

The billionaire hedge-fund executive holds significant influence in the market.
September 4, 2024

Under Armour Sells MapMyFitness Back to Founders 11 Years Later

The founders sold the tracking app to the apparel giant in 2013.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
August 13, 2024

Federer’s On Brand Continues Surge, Challenging Sportswear Giants

Earnings weren’t all positive for On, causing a dip in its premarket stock price.
Peloton
May 2, 2024

Peloton Timeline: CEO Changes, Layoffs, Recalls, and Falling Stocks

The company has fallen from grace after roaring success in 2020.
October 18, 2023

Peloton To Bring Live Sports To Its Fitness Devices

NBA League Pass will be available to watch on Peloton devices.
August 10, 2023

Alternative Golf Venues Thriving ‘Off-Course’ By Attracting Younger Players

In 2022, 15.5 million people participated in off-course golf activities.