Cannons Health Clubs and LA Fitness are rumoured to be in talks which could lead the two health club chains to merge.

According to wide-spread media speculation, Cannons, which currently has 65 sites and was put up for sale last year by owner PPM Capital, could join forces with LA Fitness, owned by MidOcean Partners.

It is the second major merger speculation to involve the health and fitness sector this year, after London & Regional Holdings (L&R), owner of Next Generation, acquired David Lloyd Leisure in May.

It is thought that L&R could be considering the merger of the Next Generation and DLL chains under the stewardship of managing director Scott Lloyd.