UK-based health club operator Fitness First is to sell its Benelux business to HealthCity International.

The business comprises 57 clubs trading in Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg – all operated under the Passage Fitness First, Fitness First and Just Fit brands.

Colin Waggett, CEO of Fitness First, said the deal was part of Fitness First’s plans to concentrate business on developing markets.

He said: "This is an opportunity for us to redirect resources and management focus into higher growth markets, particularly Asia."

HealthCity is one of the market leaders in the region and currently has 152 clubs trading under the HealthCity and Basic Fit brands.

When finalised, the deal means that the group will operate in excess of 200 clubs.

Rene Moos, CEO of HealthCity commented "We’re very pleased to be able to add this portfolio of clubs to our estate, further strengthening our market leading position in both full service and budget clubs."

Founded in 2000, HealthCity quickly grew to 14 locations and was taken over by private equity firm Waterland in 2005.