US-based franchise Massage Envy is set for a new chapter following its acquistion by private equity firm, Roark Capital Group.

A specialist in franchising, Roark is a good fit for Massage Envy which is looking to grow its franchise business, which currently has 800 sites in 45 states.

Previously owned by Sentinel, Massage Envy is expected to provide more than 16 million treatments this year. Its ethos is to make professional spa services available at affordable prices and in convenient locations.

"We are thrilled to have Roark as a partner as we continue to grow the Massage Envy brand," says Dave Crisalli, Massage Envy's president and CEO. "Roark’s strong operational approach and deep consumer and franchise experience makes them an ideal partner for our leadership team, regional developers, franchisees and team members."

Roark's managing partner, Neal Aronson, says this acquisition is in line with its strategy of buying market-leading franchises with strong brands and differentiated service offerings. "We believe Massage Envy has significant opportunities to enhance its leadership position in the spa and massage industry."