SGB Update Sports & Fitness

TSG Consumer Partners Appoints Managing Director
TSG Consumer Partners announced the expansion of its portfolio operations group, TSG Vantage and appointed of Brian Crandall as managing director.

Report: U.S. Fitness Facility Memberships Reach Historic High
Beyond membership growth, HFA reported that fitness facility attendance increased for a third consecutive year. The average member visited a fitness facility 81 times in 2023, up from 78 visits in 2022 and 72 visits in 2021.

Sony Expands Sports Data Business With KinaTrax Acquisition
KinaTrax camera systems are used in over 75 stadiums and labs across Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and NCAA member organizations, with expansion into other sports leagues. The technology has collected biomechanics data for pitchers and hitters in baseball games.
Play It Again Sports Parent Sees Flat Profits In Q3
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported flat earnings in both the third quarter and nine months ended September 28.

Magic Surf Brazil Hires Director of International Sales
With Ty Zulim’s leadership, Magic Surf Brazil reported that it is “well-positioned to strengthen its presence in key international markets while maintaining its commitment to cutting-edge technology and excellence in surfboard manufacturing.”

Jetset Pilates Opens First NYC Studio Opening in SoHo
Jetset Pilates officially opened the doors of its first New York City studio in SoHo.

Crunch to Open Studio in Indianapolis
The $5 million, 40,000-square-foot fitness facility will open in Spring 2025. Operated by Crunch Fitness franchisee Fitness Ventures.

Arris Composites Selected for U.S. Army for Study on Carbon Fiber Boot Plates
The company was selected by the U.S. Army for a study on the use of advanced carbon fiber plates in military boots. The project builds on Arris’ development of a carbon fiber plate for Brooks’ Hyperion Elite 4 running shoe.

Shoe Show Reports Cyber Security Incident
The retailer reported a cyber security incident involving a Shoe Show employee e-mail account. Shoe Show filed a data breach notice detailing the incident with the Attorney General of Maine, on October 9.

Deloitte Forecasting 8 Percent Bump in 2024 Holiday Season Spending
The firm reported that consumers will bargain shop even if it means choosing value over loyalty. The business advisory firm also sees a ramp up in experience gifting to more than offset flat sales in traditional merchandise.

YogaSix Opens First Studio in Germany
The opening of the Frankfurt studio is part of YogaSix’s ongoing global expansion, which includes more openings in Germany and a debut in Japan as a result of a Master Franchise Agreement signed earlier this year. Christophe Collinet and Daniel Hoffman of LifeFit Group are leading the expansion efforts.

Life Time’s Debt Outlook Upgraded on Proposed Loan
Moody’s Ratings changed its debt rating outlook on Life Time to positive from stable as the fitness club operator continues to reduce leverage through earnings growth and debt repayment. The change largely reflects Life Time’s proposed $1 billion senior secured first lien term loan due 2031.

NRF Sees 2024 Holiday Selling Season Growth Lowest Since 2018
“Household finances are in good shape and an impetus for strong spending heading into the holiday season, though households will spend more cautiously.” – NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.

Ironman Hires EVP of Global Partnerships
The Ironman Group added Yanni Andreopoulos, formerly at ABB FIA Formula E, as executive vice president of Global Partnerships.

Beyond Yoga Parent, Levi Strauss, Appoints Board Member
Levi Strauss & Co. announced today that its board of directors has elected Daniel Geballe as a board member, effective April 26, 2025. At that time, current member David Friedman will retire from the board.