Portugal-based women-only health club chain Vivafit has signed a master franchise deal for 20 clubs in Uruguay – paving the way for further expansion into other South American countries.

Vivafit sign a deal with entrepreneur Ulisses Fontanini which will see the opening of the first Vivafit in capital city Montevideo in October.

The master franchising agreement includes the opening of 20 VivaFits' gyms in the next three years and the expansion of the brand to the Latin American market, starting with Argentina, Chile and the southern states of Brazil.

VivaFit CEO Pedro Ruiz said: "Our presence in Uruguay represents not only the beginning of VivaFit's expansion in the Latin America, but it is also a reinforcement of the brand's potential to go worldwide."

Uruguay becomes the fourth country outside Portugal for Vivafit, following club openings in Spain, India and Singapore.

Founded seven years ago, the chain now boasts more than 100 sites and enjoys a 75 per cent market share of the women-only gym market in Portugal.