Gyms group strengthens Midlands presence with acquisition
Three gymasiums in the Midlands have been acquired by a leading social enterprise as it looks to expand its national profile.
Places for People Leisure has acquired Simply Gyms in Chesterfield, Hinckley and Telford. The gyms will operate under the Places Gym brand.
Places for People Leisure is a social enterprise committed to improving physical fitness levels. It is one of the largest leisure operators in the UK, managing a portfolio of more than 100 leisure facilities for local authorities across the country.
The company entered the low-cost gym sector in May 2015, launching its community gym brand ‘Places Gym’ to expand its reach and further its social purpose of creating ‘active places and healthy people’.
The latest acquisitions double the number of Places Gyms, with the other venues located in Preston, Sheffield and Corby.
Law firm Bevan Brittan advised Places for People Leisure on the acquisition of the three venues.
Richard Hiscoke, social economy lawyer at Bevan Brittan, said: “Places for People Leisure is a great example of a successful social enterprise. It has a real passion for its social mission – helping local communities stay physically active and emotionally engaged in fitness, sport and well-being. It is a pleasure to have worked with the PfPL team on this strategic acquisition.”
Sandra Dodd, chief executive of Places for People Leisure, said: “Our Places Gyms are designed to offer a more convenient and inviting place for people of all abilities to come and enjoy a more active lifestyle. Significant investments are planned within the three clubs for next year which we hope will ensure that we create vibrant, attractive and imaginative places that can’t help but encourage people to be more active.”
