Basic-Fit, Europe’s leading high-value, low-price (HVLP) fitness operator, has acquired Clever Fit in a €160 million deal, plus a €15 million earn-out. The acquisition positions Basic-Fit as the largest fitness franchise network in Europe, with over 2,150 clubs across 12 countries, including approximately 450 in Germany.
Clever Fit operates 493 clubs with one million members across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. Most are franchised (454) and 39 are company-owned.
Basic-Fit CEO Rene Moos said the acquisition “accelerates growth in a capital-efficient way,” enabling faster expansion of the Basic-Fit franchise concept in France, Germany, and Spain. Funded by a €180 million bank loan from ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank, the deal requires no regulatory approval and is expected to close by year-end 2025.
The move comes amid record growth in Europe’s fitness sector, where membership surpassed 71.6 million in 2024 (EuropeActive & Deloitte). Basic-Fit plans to open 125 clubs in 2025 and 50 in 2026, while emphasizing profitability and franchise integration.
The World Athletics Federation (WA) has partnered with Technogym to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championship — the first officially sanctioned treadmill race in history, debuting in 2026.
Runners worldwide will complete a 5 km race on Technogym-connected treadmills, uploading results to a global leaderboard. Regional qualifiers will lead to a world final where the top 10 men and women will compete for a US$100,000 prize pool and wildcard entries to World Athletics events.
Technogym CEO Nerio Alessandri called it “a revolutionary step toward digital, inclusive competition.” The company’s digital ecosystem authenticates race data to ensure fairness, turning gyms into connected global arenas. The partnership symbolizes the growing convergence of fitness equipment technology, esports, and sport performance analytics.
From November 5–10, Johnson Health Tech (JHT) will participate in the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai — its fourth appearance at the event and part of the company’s 50th-anniversary celebration.
With the theme “AI Weight Management & IoT Home Fitness Ecosystem,” Johnson showcases innovations in AI-driven health management, emphasizing integration between smart hardware and digital wellness platforms.
The 600 m² booth — JHT’s largest CIIE presence yet — features immersive demonstrations linking body assessment, AI coaching, scientific training, recovery, and nutrition into a complete health loop. New launches include the latest smart fitness equipment from BOWFLEX and MATRIX.
Since its first CIIE appearance, JHT has signed intentional agreements worth over RMB 1.8 billion, showcasing its global leadership in AI-powered fitness solutions and commitment to China’s “Healthy 2030” initiative.
Functional training brand TRX has formed a strategic partnership with BlazePod, a leader in light-based reaction training, to integrate cognitive drills into its functional fitness ecosystem.
The collaboration includes co-branded bundles, joint content programs, and TRX training integration within the BlazePod app. TRX CEO Jack Daly said the partnership merges “world-class functional strength training with cognitive and reaction training for a complete performance solution.”
BlazePod CEO Yaniv Shneiderman added that the goal is to “maximize human potential through innovative training experiences.” The move comes as the industry embraces brain-based tools linking neuromuscular training and mental focus — a growing trend in both professional sports and rehabilitation.
Portland-based Omorpho has introduced the G-Vest Icon, a fully adjustable weighted vest built on its MicroLoad design. The vest distributes weight evenly using dense micro-spheres to preserve natural movement. New G-Pack inserts allow users to quickly adjust load — up to 20 lbs for men and 12 lbs for women — without bulky plates.
Priced from $299 to $399, the G-Vest Icon offers a sleek design and modular resistance system. Earlier this year, Omorpho became the official weighted vest partner for Orangetheory Fitness U.S., highlighting the rise of wearable resistance training gear in functional and group fitness markets.
The 138th Canton Fair (Autumn 2025) Phase 3 runs from October 31 to November 4 in Guangzhou, featuring a strong focus on fitness equipment, sports goods, and wellness products.
Over 30,000 exhibitors and international buyers from 219 countries are attending the “Health & Recreation” and “Sports & Leisure Products” sections. Key participants include IRONMASTER and RELAX, both presenting commercial strength training and smart cardio equipment.
The fair provides a major sourcing platform for buyers to explore real fitness equipment factories, compare technology and pricing, and negotiate export agreements in one location — affirming China’s continuing role as a global hub for gym equipment manufacturing and trade.
U.S. sports equipment maker Escalade, Inc. announced that Armin Boehm has resigned as President and CEO after just seven months in office. Patrick Griffin, VP of Corporate Development and Investor Relations since 2012, has been appointed interim President and CEO.
Escalade’s brands include Goalrilla, Stiga, Bear Archery, Brunswick Billiards, Onix Pickleball, and Lifeline Fitness. The company said it remains focused on sustainable growth and enhancing shareholder value through brand investment and product innovation.
After five decades in Germany, the ISPO sporting goods and outdoor trade fair will relocate to Amsterdam in 2026, with the 2025 edition in Munich set to be its last.
Organizer Messe München has formed a joint venture with Raccoon Media Group to manage the transition, led by Michael Andrew Seaman and James Douglas Emslie. The move addresses declining attendance — from 3,307 exhibitors in 2018 to 1,937 in 2024 — and aims to make the show more affordable and globally accessible.
Amsterdam’s central location and connectivity are expected to strengthen ties with the North American market and revitalize international participation. A €3 million investment program will fund a hosted buyer initiative, industry advocacy, and the new ISPO Leaders’ Summit, centered on Participation, Sustainability, and Fair Trade.
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