The deal hands Basic-Fit a dominant position in Germany and pushes its network past 2,150 clubs across Europe as operators race to meet rising demand on the continent
Basic-Fit, a leading high-value, low-price (HVLP) fitness operator in Europe, is set to acquire Clever Fit in a €160 million ($186 million) all-cash deal, plus a potential €15 million earn-out.
Clever Fit, which reported underlying EBITDA of €14.5 million in 2024, operates 494 clubs across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia and the Czech Republic. The acquisition gives Basic-Fit a combined 450-club footprint in Germany and expands its broader network to more than 2,150 clubs across Europe.
The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2025 and marks a shift in Basic-Fit’s growth strategy. The company said it will continue opening its own gyms while also exploring franchising under the Basic-Fit brand in France, Germany and Spain.
“In light of the acquisition, we will reduce our owned club growth this year to 86 Basic-Fit clubs,” Basic-Fit confirmed. “When we account for the acquired 39 owned Clever Fit, our total growth for 2025 will be 125 clubs. For 2026, we anticipate to open around 50 owned clubs.”
Basic-Fit will also terminate its share repurchase program after buying back 1 million shares, describing the moves as a “balanced approach” designed to support expansion.
The budget-friendly operator offers many clubs with 24/7 access, depending on the market, as well as access to body-composition tech, group classes and amenities such as massage chairs.
Basic-Fit CEO Rene Moos says the acquisition accelerates the operator’s growth in a “capital efficient manner” and widens its footprint to 12 European countries.
“Basic-Fit and Clever Fit are a great strategic fit, with a scalable concept and an entrepreneurial mindset,” Moos said. “Clever Fit has shown strong growth figures on the back of a value-oriented concept similar to our own, and today has around 1 million members in its club network. We look forward to strengthening our platform as Europe’s largest fitness franchise and to making fitness even more accessible to everyone.”
To fund the deal, Basic-Fit secured €180 million in committed financing from ABN AMRO, ING Bank and Rabobank, with the facilities maturing in June 2028.
The move comes as Europe’s fitness industry continues to expand. Membership across the region reached a record 71.6 million in 2024, according to the latest EuropeActive and Deloitte report.
In June, investment firm Carlyle backed Fitness Park, France’s largest budget chain, with €280 million in financing to support expansion and acquisitions across France and internationally.
