Boutique Fitness Studios and Viva Leisure Join Forces

In an exciting move for future franchisees, Viva Leisure – one of Australia’s biggest operators in the fitness and leisure industry – has made a strategic investment in Boutique Fitness Studios to grow some of the world’s most iconic fitness brands on home soil. What could this mean for the Aussie fitness industry having Boutique Fitness Studios and Viva Leisure join forces?

Who are Boutique Fitness Studios?

Founded by Australian brothers-in-law Matt Gordin and Brendan James, Boutique Fitness Studios (BFS) holds the Australian Master Franchise to Xponential Fitness-owned brands such as Rumble Boxing, CycleBar, Club Pilates, and StretchLab. These fitness franchises have proven to be some of the US’s hottest trends, gaining celebrity endorsement and generating lots of attention.

The brands under the BFS umbrella have proven, so far, to be solid business decisions. Currently, BFS has sold 106 licenses across the four brands with several studios set to open before the end of the year. They are also about to launch in New Zealand with big plans for 2025 both in New Zealand and on home soil.

boutique fitness studios and viva leisure

Investment from Viva Leisure

With more than 400 health clubs across the country, Viva Leisure is a dominant stalwart of the Australian fitness landscape. Founded in 2004, Viva Leisure aim to offer affordable, accessible, awesome health and fitness facilities to as many people as possible. The Viva Leisure family includes household names such as Club Lime, Plus Fitness and HIIT Republic. The recent investment by Viva Leisure will make them Boutique Fitness Studios’ largest shareholder.

BFS and Viva Leisure: A Perfect Partnership

Exciting things are afoot for everyone involved in this latest collaboration, allowing BFS to continue their brand expansion mission and increase their support for franchisees. Some of their first moves include rebranding Viva’s Rebalance studios into Club Pilates, which will increase the brand’s Australian footprint. “I couldn’t be happier,” said BFS CEO Matt Gordin. “This partnership will allow us to continue to grow our team to support our franchisees. The synergies and platform that Viva brings will help drive our brands forward and our studios to grow stronger and more profitable.”

The benefits will be felt on all sides, with the investment opening up a new market for Viva technologies such as Viva Pay. “The Australian market is an important strategic region for Xponential’s brands and we look forward to seeing this drive further growth,” said President of International at Xponential, Bob Kaufman.

For more information on franchisee opportunities across any of the BFS portfolio, visit their website.

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