New Evolution Ventures (NeV) is to partner with fitness industry veterans Kirk and John Galiani to develop and operate a collection of health clubs in the north east of US.

The joint venture, called US Fitness, is backed by NeV and Vision Capital, an international private equity investor, and includes the Galianis' Mid-Atlantic Onelife Fitness clubs, Crunch Fitness clubs in Washington, DC, and other new facilities in various stages of development throughout the region.

NeV is chaired by Mark Mastrov, a fitness industry veteran who has previously backed a number of fitness ventures ? including Hard Candy Fitness, a health club chain fronted by pop star Madonna.

US Fitness has now set out to expand its brands by actively looking for both acquisition targets and new-build opportunities.

As part of the partnership, the Galianis have joined the board of directors of NeV.

Mastrov said: "I've always admired Kirk and John Galiani for being two of the top operators in the industry.

"The Mid-Atlantic region has strong growth potential for our brands and I'm excited to rapidly grow our footprint."

The Galianis previously owned, operated and sold Gold's Gym International before starting their new business venture in the Onelife Fitness brand.

Last year, they launched the first Crunch Fitness clubs in Washington DC.

Kirk Galiani said: "John and I are excited to partner with NeV and Vision Capital. We could not have found better partners than NeV, led by Mark Mastrov, arguably the greatest mind in the fitness industry and Vision Capital, a top-tier private equity firm."

NeV focuses on the acquisition, development and operations management of health, fitness, and wellness businesses both domestically and internationally. It was founded in 2008 by Mark Mastrov, Jim Rowley and Mike Feeney,