Findel, a leading educational resources supplier and part of the Manutan Group, has officially completed the M&A acquisition of Fitness Warehouse Limited (trading as Gym Gear), a prominent UK provider of commercial fitness equipment, turnkey gym design, and installation solutions.
This landmark M&A transaction marks a significant milestone in Findel’s broader market expansion strategy, strengthening its footprint in the commercial fitness equipment sector across the UK and Continental Europe.
Strategic Synergy in the Commercial Fitness Equipment Market
Founded in 2005 and headquartered near Preston, Gym Gear has established a stellar reputation across the UK physical fitness industry. The company specializes in spatial gym design, premium-grade fitness equipment, and professional installation services. Its robust public-sector client portfolio spans schools, leisure centers, multi-user facilities, and blue-light emergency services.
Under the new ownership structure, Hyde-based Findel will operate Gym Gear as a standalone entity. Gym Gear will collaborate closely with Findel’s established UK brand, Davies Sports, as well as Manutan’s French sports equipment provider, Casal Sport, forming a comprehensive cross-border network for commercial fitness equipment distribution. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.
Executive Leadership & Smooth Operational Transition
Gym Gear was originally founded by Directors Richard Lambert alongside father-and-son duo Roy and David Bulcock. As part of the M&A agreement:
Team Continuity: All 26 employees will be retained, ensuring zero disruption to ongoing client operations and service delivery.
Leadership Transition: Co-founder Roy Bulcock will retire following a short transition period. Directors David Bulcock and Richard Lambert will join the Findel group to steer Gym Gear through its next phase of commercial growth.
Chris Mahady, CEO of Findel, commented on the strategic move:
“Gym Gear has built an outstanding track record in the commercial fitness equipment sector over its trading history. Integrating their specialized expertise into Findel is a vital step in our expansion strategy, allowing us to deliver enhanced value and broader product offerings to our clients.”
Richard Lambert, Director at Gym Gear, added:
“Joining Findel provides a major launchpad to accelerate our next growth phase. We intend to leverage Findel’s scale to reinforce our position in the UK fitness equipment market while pursuing bigger opportunities at pace. For our existing clients, it remains business as usual with the same trusted team.”
Transaction Advisors
The successful completion of this M&A deal was supported by leading advisory firms:
Advisors to Findel: Law firm Cripps and PwC.
Advisors to Gym Gear: Accountancy firm MHA and law firm Harrison Drury.
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