Global investment firm, Carlyle Global Credit is providing a financing package of €280 million to French franchisor, Fitness Park Group to accelerate growth domestically and internationally.

Fitness Park will continue to be majority owned by the company’s founders, alongside minority shareholders Future French Champions and Momentum Invest.

The 40-year-old chain now has 350 sites and 1.3 million members in France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The estate is a mix of corporately-owned and franchised sites.

It offers a full-service 'best price' model with high-quality facilities, extended opening hours and affordable and flexible membership options. Gaëtan Dubuisson, group CEO of Fitness Park, says the business is supported by strong market tailwinds, with increasing gym membership rates in France fueled by growing health consciousness and resilient demand for affordable and quality gyms.

“Fitness Park is grateful for the support of Carlyle, which enables the business to continue to pursue its growth ambitions through its high-quality customer offering and via strategic acquisitions," he said. "We strongly believe Carlyle’s expertise and capital will help us further capitalise on the fragmented French fitness market as we look to expand on our strong positioning.”

Otto Alaoui, MD at Carlyle Global Credit, says: “We're delighted to support Fitness Park in strengthening and expanding on its position in fitness club services across France. The transaction demonstrates our ability to provide flexible capital solutions to accelerate the growth trajectory of founder-owned businesses in Europe.”