Xtravaganza, a new franchise based on a weight-loss programme established in Sweden more than 10 years ago, is to make its first move into the UK health and fitness industry.

With more than 180 venues, Xtravaganza is one of fastest growing Scandinavian businesses and will now be rolled out in South Wales, Gloucestershire, Hereford and Worcester.

The programme was established in 2001 and is based on four main principles to help people lose weight, including neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)-based mind training.

Xtravaganza UK will provide full training and business system support to franchisees, with a website and an Intranet containing marketing materials and course tools already operational.

"Our route to market here is going to be through established health and fitness centres," said Xtravaganza UK managing director Geoff Rigg.

"This is a great opportunity to bolt on a successful and potentially very lucrative franchise to an established business with very low initial capital outlay."

Details: www.xtravaganza.uk.com