SGB Update Sports & Fitness
EGYM Secures ~$200 million of Growth Capital led by L Catterton and Meritech Capital
The investment from L Catterton, a big player in the connected fitness space, and Meritech Capital, a leading Silicon Valley technology-focused venture firm, is based on a valuation of over $1 billion.
Asics Global State of Mind Study: The Desk Break Experiment
Asics enlisted actor Brian Cox to take on the role of the world’s scariest boss to highlight the real threat to our mental health—the desk we work at every day. Asics Global Study found tour mental state starts to decline after only two hours of continuous desk-based working, but just 15 minutes of exercise can help to reverse the effects.
The Curling Group Raises $5 million in Seed Funding to Expand the Sport
The company said the rise in curling’s popularity is reflected in the interest of pro athletes and celebrities, including former NFL star Jared Allen and current NFL players George Kittle and TJ Hockenson, who are part of The Curling Group’s initial investors.
OxeFit Adds Additional Investors on Path to Expand AI-Driven Fitness Programs
The company said that with continued interest from entrepreneur and pro-athlete investors, it will use the new funds to further deliver on its commitment to bring AI to its health and fitness platform.
FluidLogic Investors Look to Expand Hydration Systems to Consumer Categories
The company said this investment will fund new product development and innovation for consumer products in the adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories expected to be available in early 2025.
L Catterton Acquires Majority Stake in Solidcore Fitness Studios
The investment firm has acquired Solidcore, a national network of fitness studios providing targeted strength training on custom-built reformers, from VMG Partners, Kohlberg & Company, and Peterson Partners.
Puma Appoints Markus Neubrand as CFO
Neubrand replaces CFO Hubert Hinterseher, who has mutually agreed to step down, effective September 30, 2024, leaving on December 31, 2024, after successfully transitioning his duties to Neubrand.
Orangetheory Fitness Opens New Studios in Greater Chicago, NYC Metro and Spain
Orangetheory Fitness opened three new studios in September—two in the U.S. (Crystal Lake, IL and Jersey City, NJ) and one in Valencia, Spain, reflecting its vision to “make a lasting impact on the health and wellness of communities worldwide.”
Omega Fitness and Rainier Partners Acquire MDS Fitness Gyms in Wisconsin
The acquisition of MDS’s Wisconsin assets strengthens Omega Fitness, the second largest Anytime Fitness platform in the U.S., in the state and remains consistent with the company’s focus on establishing geographic density in select markets.
Sqairz Appoints Three New Members to Board
Sqairz welcomed Keith Bank, Bobby Barad Elass to its Board of Directors as the company moves toward becoming a “multi-sport footwear conglomerate.”
PGA of America Elects President of Georgia Section
Joshua Deal, PGA general manager at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta, GA, was elected the 29th president of the PGA of America’s Georgia Section.
Report: Holiday E-Commerce to Grow 8.4 Percent; Cyber Monday May Lag Overall Gains
Cyber Week, the five-day period including Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is expected to drive $40.6 billion in online spend this year, up 7.0 percent y/y and representing 16.9 percent of the overall Holiday selling season.
Xponential’s Pure Barre Brand Expands into Mexico
Behind the Master Franchise Agreement for Mexico is a current Master Franchisee team at Boutique X Fitness Studios that is also developing StretchLab and Rumble in the country.
Pickleball Kingdom Franchise to Open in Lynnwood, WA in Early 2025
The new facility in Lynnwood, WA, led by brother and sister team John and Mara Hylton, will occupy a 37,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond and feature 12 indoor courts.
Tour Edge Appoints Vice President of Brand and Strategic Partners
Ladd comes to the role from Wilson Golf. She brings a strong background in golf knowledge with experience in national account and sales team management, merchandising and global marketing efforts garnered over a decade working for the company.
