American Chain Expanding into Australia: 350 New Clubs Expected
HASTINGS, Minn. – Anytime Fitness, Inc. has reached an agreement with fitness industry veterans Justin McDonell and Jacinta McDonell Jimenez that will see them serve as master franchisees for Australia and New Zealand. McDonell and Jimenez plan to open 350 Anytime Fitness clubs in Australia within the next five years, including at least five clubs in the next 12 months. The first club will likely open this summer near Sydney, Australia. Expansion plans for New Zealand are pending.
“We’re extremely excited that Justin and Jacinta are joining our team,” said Anytime Fitness co-founder Chuck Runyon. “We had several candidates who applied for the territory rights, but our choice was clear. Justin and Jacinta demonstrated the fitness industry expertise, the financial backing and the passion for Anytime Fitness’ business model that made them the most qualified applicants.”
McDonnell and Jimenez’ interest in Anytime Fitness was piqued just over a year ago when they read about America’s fastest growing fitness club franchise in an industry trade magazine. Six weeks later they met with Anytime Fitness corporate staff and then spent the next week touring more than 50 Anytime Fitness clubs.
“We grew up in a family that runs health clubs in Australia,” says Justin. “We know what works, and we know what members want. Anytime Fitness focuses on convenience and affordability – that’s what people are looking for these days, but they also demand quality exercise equipment in a clean, friendly environment. The model works in America, and it will work in Australia and New Zealand too.”
Anytime Fitness currently operates nearly 800 clubs in 46 US states, plus a small number of clubs in Canada.
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