The Ascente Group, franchisers of Orangetheory Fitness – the US-based heart rate-monitored interval fitness concept – have announced plans to expand the franchise internationally, beginning with Canada in 2012.

David Hardy, president of Franvest Capital Partners (FCP), has secured the rights to Orangetheory Fitness in Canada.

FCP is already invested in International Fitness Holdings, which operates 23 clubs in Alberta. Hardy is also president of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada, and serves on the board of IHRSA.

Terry Blachek, partner at Orangetheory, said: "This is just the beginning of our international expansion. We're looking for additional targets including South America, Europe, Asia – we've had interest from Australia and the UK already."