Trampoline park operator Oxygen Freejumping has acquired Air Space Trampoline in a multi-million pound cash deal, bringing its total number of sites to 10.

The purchase is in line with Oxygen Freejumping’s strategy of reaching 20 parks by the end of 2018, and is its first acquisition of a brand in the UK trampoline market, consolidating the sector that has grown from zero to more than 150 sites in the last three years.

Air Space Trampoline, a subsidiary of Go Ape, operates three parks in East Kilbride, Stevenage and Wolverhampton. The parks are in high footfall leisure and retail destinations - areas in which Oxygen Freejumping does not operate.

Oxygen Freejumping was founded in 2014 by Fred Turok, founder of LA Fitness, and David Stalker, former chief executive of ukactive and managing director of Harpers Fitness Clubs.

Stalker, Oxygen Freejumping chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have acquired these three sites and to consolidate our number one position in the UK market. The parks are highly cash generative, conveniently located in high footfall areas and run by highly experienced management teams with a focus on delivering a safe and high quality experience to our customers.

“With UK obesity rates at an all-time high, we are driven by the urgent need to get people moving. Fun, inspiring physical activities in childhood are proven to lead to healthy, happy and active lifestyles in adulthood. Trampolining offers an accessible solution for tackling the childhood inactivity pandemic. Over 1.5 million people have been active at Oxygen alone over the last 18 months and we are committed to providing a wide range of new and fun activities to get the country jumping.”

Funding for the acquisition was provided by NM Capital, a London based private investment company.