LifeFit Group continues its buy-and-build strategy with the acquisition of Just Fit, which has 20 studios in the Cologne metropolitan area and one in Moenchengladbach.

This brings LifeFit’s portfolio to more than 230 clubs across Germany and Austria with in excess of 720,000 members. The majority of the clubs will be integrated and rebranded as Fitness First Red clubs which offer attractive modular pricing choices, while the Just Fit Premium Club will be integrated into the higher end Fitness First Black segment.

Modern, innovative training concepts of Fitness First will be introduced, while preserving the diverse range of courses on offer and the community feel.

Martin Seibold, CEO of the LifeFit Group, paid tribute to the company’s founder, saying: “If you work in the fitness industry, you know the pioneer Frank Boehme. He has shaped the industry like few others and, with Just Fit, created a company that helps people stay active.

“Taking over the life’s work of the four shareholders of Just Fit means taking responsibility for their employees, members and studios. We’re committed to this task, will integrate the facilities step by step and will be careful to develop the studios with new ideas while preserving the best of what they have to offer.”

The founders will leave after a transition period. Boehme says: “I feel very good about handing over our life’s work, Just Fit, to the trustworthy and experienced hands of the LifeFit Group. This will ensure that the best of Just Fit is preserved in many ways and can continue to develop consistently.”

Christophe Collinet, CCO of the LifeFit Group and responsible for mergers and acquisitions, says that increased awareness of health and longevity is creating record membership numbers and more potential for LifeFit’s growth.