Get HCM digital magazine and ezines FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs   News   Features   Products   Magazine      Advertise  
NEWS
Fitness Connection acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital
POSTED 08 Feb 2019 . BY Tom Walker
Founded in 1999, Fitness Connection was one of the first low-cost operators in the US
US operator Fitness Connection, which has 41 health clubs across three states, has been acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital.

The financial details of the deal – which sees Roark Capital take over a majority stake in the company from LNK Partners – were undisclosed.

Founded in 1999, Fitness Connection was one of the first low-cost operators in the US.

Offering full-service memberships for as low as US$10 per month, the company has gradually grown its club estate which now serves around 500,000 members.

“As we embark on the next phase of growth, we could not be more excited about having Roark as our partner to lend their guidance and expertise in multi-unit, consumer-facing investments," said Phil Howard, CEO of Fitness Connection.

"We look forward to working closely with the Roark team as we continue to execute our national growth strategy of making high value, affordable fitness accessible to all.”

Roark Capital focuses on investing in franchised and multi-unit businesses in the consumer and business services sectors.
RELATED STORIES
  Massage Envy acquired by Roark Capital Group


US-based franchise Massage Envy is set for a new chapter following its acquistion by private equity firm, Roark Capital Group.
MORE NEWS
Gymnation launches branded athleisure collection for men with muscle thobe and ghutra
In response to customer demand, Gymnation has unveiled a muscle thobe and ghutra range for Saudi men that celebrates Saudi culture as well as the region’s growing interest in fitness.
World Firefighters Games creates new opportunities for collaboration with the fitness sector
Italian Exhibition Group – the organiser behind industry events Dubai Active and Dubai Muscle Show – has been appointed to deliver the Health and Wellness Expo and Fire and Safety Expo at the 16th World Firefighters Games.
Planet Fitness deal hints at blueprint for global expansion
Private investment company, Franchise Equity Partners, has acquired Bravo Fit, the Planet Fitness franchisee in Australia, from existing shareholders.
Fitness First UK unveils makeover of Highbury club with new recovery and Pilates offerings
Fitness First UK has raised the bar with its latest refurbishment, in Highbury, London, as it continues to premiumise its estate.
+ More news   
LATEST JOBS
Fitness Motivator and Personal Trainer
Everyone Active
Salary:
Job location: Fleet
Fitness Motivator and Personal Trainer
Everyone Active
Salary: £Excellent salary + benefits
Job location: Easton, Bristol , United Kingdom
Fitness Motivator and Personal Trainer
Everyone Active
Salary:
Job location: Aldershot
+ More jobs  

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Legends never die: four legends, four philosophies of life
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]

Introducing a new era of Nautilus Leverage
Strength training has never been more important for member retention, facility differentiation and long-term commercial success. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Orbit4

With Orbit4, you’ll always have full visibility of your equipment inventory, the true market value [more...]
Alliance Leisure

Alliance Leisure Services was specifically established to respond to the changing development need [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
HCM
LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES
HEALTH CLUB HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Get HCM digital magazine and ezines FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine
NEWS
Fitness Connection acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital
POSTED 08 Feb 2019 . BY Tom Walker
Founded in 1999, Fitness Connection was one of the first low-cost operators in the US
US operator Fitness Connection, which has 41 health clubs across three states, has been acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital.

The financial details of the deal – which sees Roark Capital take over a majority stake in the company from LNK Partners – were undisclosed.

Founded in 1999, Fitness Connection was one of the first low-cost operators in the US.

Offering full-service memberships for as low as US$10 per month, the company has gradually grown its club estate which now serves around 500,000 members.

“As we embark on the next phase of growth, we could not be more excited about having Roark as our partner to lend their guidance and expertise in multi-unit, consumer-facing investments," said Phil Howard, CEO of Fitness Connection.

"We look forward to working closely with the Roark team as we continue to execute our national growth strategy of making high value, affordable fitness accessible to all.”

Roark Capital focuses on investing in franchised and multi-unit businesses in the consumer and business services sectors.
RELATED STORIES
Massage Envy acquired by Roark Capital Group


US-based franchise Massage Envy is set for a new chapter following its acquistion by private equity firm, Roark Capital Group.
MORE NEWS
Gymnation launches branded athleisure collection for men with muscle thobe and ghutra
In response to customer demand, Gymnation has unveiled a muscle thobe and ghutra range for Saudi men that celebrates Saudi culture as well as the region’s growing interest in fitness.
World Firefighters Games creates new opportunities for collaboration with the fitness sector
Italian Exhibition Group – the organiser behind industry events Dubai Active and Dubai Muscle Show – has been appointed to deliver the Health and Wellness Expo and Fire and Safety Expo at the 16th World Firefighters Games.
Planet Fitness deal hints at blueprint for global expansion
Private investment company, Franchise Equity Partners, has acquired Bravo Fit, the Planet Fitness franchisee in Australia, from existing shareholders.
Fitness First UK unveils makeover of Highbury club with new recovery and Pilates offerings
Fitness First UK has raised the bar with its latest refurbishment, in Highbury, London, as it continues to premiumise its estate.
Total Fitness research charts the fitness industry’s post-pandemic transformation
It’s been five years since the fitness industry reopened after the last lockdown – long enough to look back on the impact the pandemic had on the sector and what might come next. 
Wattbike and EGYM integration allows addition of VO2 max tests
Wattbike has announced a new integration with EGYM, which enables the bikes to contribute to the Cardio BioAge score of individuals via a VO2 max result.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Legends never die: four legends, four philosophies of life
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]

Introducing a new era of Nautilus Leverage
Strength training has never been more important for member retention, facility differentiation and long-term commercial success. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Orbit4

With Orbit4, you’ll always have full visibility of your equipment inventory, the true market value [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS