Johnson Health Tech, maker of Matrix, Vision and Horizon fitness equipment, expanded its presence within the U.S. specialty fitness retail market with a deal to acquire Leisure Fitness and its 27 stores along the East Coast.
It’s the second big U.S. retail acquisition for the Taiwanese fitness company, which acquired 2nd Wind Exercise with 58 stores in 11 states in November 2015.
“Together, Johnson Health Tech and Leisure Fitness will continue to grow and shape specialty retail,” said Nathan Pyles, President of Johnson Health Tech North America (JHTNA). “With the addition of Leisure Fitness, JHTNA has almost 100 specialty fitness retail locations in the United States. That distribution network, combined with the product design, engineering and manufacturing excellence of our global organization, gives us a unique opportunity to fuel continued growth.”
With this most recent acquisition, Johnson Health Tech, which bills itself as “the world’s largest specialty fitness retailer,” will bring its store count to 315 retail stores worldwide. Leisure Fitness will be merged into the existing JHTNA retail group but will operate as a separate entity with its existing management team.
“We’re proud to be part of an organization like Johnson Health Tech that continues to invest in specialty retail,” said Paul Bastianelli, CEO of Leisure Fitness. “Like Leisure Fitness, JHT believes in investing in great people that can deliver outstanding customer experiences. With our shared vision and customer commitment, we’ll continue to help grow specialty fitness.”
“Leisure Fitness brings an organization with strong and diverse resources to JHTNA. We’re excited to welcome them to our team,” said Bob Zande, CFO/COO of JHTNA. “With Leisure’s strong East Coast presence, we’ll be able to further enhance our service levels and distribution efficiencies in that region.”
Leisure Fitness, based in Newark, DE, does business through its 27 stores covering Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The company offers fitness equipment for both home and corporate needs.
Photo courtesy Johnson Health Tech/Matrix Fitness
