October 2025 — Basic-Fit, Europe’s leading high-value, low-price fitness chain operator, has announced the acquisition of Clever Fit, marking a transformative milestone that establishes the company as Europe’s largest fitness franchise and a market leader in Germany.

The all-cash transaction is valued at €160 million (approximately $186 million), with an additional €15 million earn-out subject to performance targets. The deal further consolidates Basic-Fit’s dominant position in the fast-growing European fitness equipment and health club market.

Building a European Fitness Powerhouse

Clever Fit operates 493 gyms across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, serving around one million members. Of these, 454 are franchised and 39 are company-owned. In 2024, the company reported an underlying EBITDA of €14.5 million.

With this integration, Basic-Fit’s total network now exceeds 2,150 gyms across 12 countries, including approximately 450 clubs in Germany, one of Europe’s most competitive fitness markets.

The acquisition expands Basic-Fit’s market coverage from six to twelve countries, accelerating its plans to roll out a franchise model under the Basic-Fit brand in France, Germany, and Spain, targeting regions where demand for affordable fitness continues to rise.

Strategic Shift: Expanding Through Franchising

Basic-Fit CEO Rene Moos described the acquisition as “a capital-efficient step in accelerating growth and strengthening our European presence.”

“Basic-Fit and Clever Fit are a great strategic fit — both have scalable business models and an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Moos. “Clever Fit’s value-driven concept mirrors ours and has achieved impressive growth. Together, we aim to build Europe’s largest fitness franchise platform and make fitness more accessible to everyone.”

To finance the transaction, Basic-Fit secured €180 million in bank loans from ABN AMRO, ING Bank, and Rabobank, with maturities extending to June 2028. The deal requires no regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of 2025.

Following the acquisition, Basic-Fit will adjust its expansion plan:

• 2025 target: 125 new clubs (including 39 acquired Clever Fit locations)
• 2026 plan: around 50 new company-owned clubs

The company will also end its share repurchase program after buying back one million shares, describing this as a “balanced approach to support future growth.”

A Booming European Fitness Market

The European fitness and gym equipment sector continues to grow rapidly. According to the EuropeActive and Deloitte 2024 Report, total gym membership across Europe has reached a record 71.6 million, reflecting a strong post-pandemic recovery and increased consumer focus on health and well-being.

This acquisition positions Basic-Fit to capture a larger share of this momentum, leveraging its high-value, low-price (HVLP) model and scalable franchise network to make gym access and fitness equipment more affordable for the wider public.

Matrix Fitness: A Key Equipment Partner Set to Gain

As Basic-Fit integrates Clever Fit and scales its franchise operations, its major fitness equipment suppliers are also expected to benefit — particularly Matrix Fitness, the commercial brand of Johnson Health Tech.

Matrix has long been a core gym equipment partner for Basic-Fit, with its logo displayed on the official Basic-Fit website. The site highlights the collaboration with the following statement:

Source: Basic Fit Website 

“During your workout, it’s important to have good equipment, good material. All Basic-Fit clubs are equiped with machines from the top brand Matrix. Professional fitness equipment ensure a good level of quality and make sure you just need to focus on your training.”

This partnership underscores Matrix’s strategic role in Basic-Fit’s operations. As Basic-Fit expands to more than 2,150 clubs across Europe, Matrix is expected to receive substantial new equipment orders and reinforce its position as a preferred fitness equipment supplier within Europe’s fastest-growing gym chain network.

Conclusion

The merger between Basic-Fit and Clever Fit represents a major consolidation in Europe’s fitness and gym equipment landscape. The combined scale, operational efficiency, and brand alignment will not only accelerate Basic-Fit’s franchise strategy but also benefit its key supply-chain partner — Matrix.

As the European fitness market continues its rapid expansion, Matrix stands to play a pivotal role in equipping the continent’s new generation of gyms and supporting the next phase of growth in the industry.