The private equity firm's first Australian investment values the Planet Fitness franchisee at roughly $170 million and funds an aggressive club rollout.
Franchise Equity Partners has acquired Bravo Fit, the Planet Fitness franchisee that operates 32 clubs across Australia, buying out existing shareholders including Planet Fitness itself. The deal, FEP's first investment in an Australian company, values Bravo Fit at roughly $170 million and pairs equity with new debt to fund faster club openings.
Planet Fitness exited its minority stake in Bravo Fit as part of the transaction, a deliberate move by the franchisor to seed international markets directly before handing growth off to well-capitalized operators. CEO Colleen Keating framed the sale as validation of that strategy, which the company is also applying as it expands into other international markets.
Bravo Fit holds exclusive development rights for roughly 100 additional clubs across five Australian states and territories, with a stated target of more than 135 locations nationwide. FEP's capital, plus a new debt facility, is earmarked specifically to accelerate that buildout, and Bravo Fit's existing management team stays in place to run it.
The transaction shows private equity is willing to pay premium multiples for proven, multi-unit fitness operators with development rights still on the table, not just for the franchisor brand itself. For large-format fitness operators eyeing growth capital, FEP's structure, majority equity plus debt tied to unit growth, offers a template that ties investor returns directly to store openings rather than a straight buyout.
Revscale Media (illustration)The senior care franchisor signed 101 new territories in 2025 and 33 more in early 2026, becoming the second-largest brand in non-medical home care.
Revscale Media (illustration)The home services consolidator acquired the 50-year-old electrical contractor as it builds out HVAC, plumbing and electrical coverage across Southern California.
Revscale Media (illustration)The middle-market private equity firm's growth investment in the workforce compliance platform signals continued capital flowing into tech-enabled business services.
Revscale Media (illustration)The Nasdaq-listed dental group agreed to acquire a 12-location Fayetteville practice network in a deal worth up to $46 million.
Revscale Media (illustration)Franchise Equity Partners' Velocity Auto Care reached 50 Valvoline Instant Oil Change centers, with 18 more underway through 2027.
Athletech NewsThe Club Pilates parent cut its outlook and stayed quiet on a possible sale as legal costs and same-store sales declines mount.
