Health Club Management magazine has become the Strategic European Media Partner of US-based organisation The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), following the signing of a partnership with The Leisure Media Company Ltd, the magazine's publisher.

Hans Muench, IHRSA's European director, said: "IHRSA is pleased to be working more closely with Leisure Media and there will be a permanent IHRSA presence in Health Club Management, starting with the May 2011 issue."

He continued: "As IHRSA's Strategic Media Partner in Europe, Health Club Management will expand the reach of its circulation internationally, as well as working more closely with the editorial team of IHRSA to deliver relevant and topical news and stories for its readership."

Liz Terry, Managing Director of Leisure Media said: "We're delighted to be working more closely with IHRSA and extending our international readership. This agreement formalises and develops the close and fruitful relationship we've had with IHRSA for more than 20 years."

"We look forward very much to documenting the growth of the thriving health and fitness industry in Europe and bringing this new coverage alongside our existing content."

The deal was signed during the recent IHRSA trade show in San Francisco.

IMAGE: Jay Ablondi, IHRSA's executive vice president of global products (left) and Liz Terry, Managing Director of Leisure Media at the signing of the contract