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Jetts Fitness to Sell Australian Franchise Amid Strategic Realignment
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Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 23:29 GMT by Daily Mail- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Jetts Fitness Announces Sale of Its Australian Operations
In a move that has sent ripples through the global gym‑chain landscape, Jetts Fitness—one of the UK’s most recognizable low‑cost gym brands—has confirmed plans to sell its Australian franchise. The announcement, reported by the Daily Mail, highlights a strategic shift for the company and offers a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of the international fitness market. Below is a concise overview of the key points and the wider context that underpins this development.
The Jetts Brand in a Nutshell
Founded in the early 2000s, Jetts Fitness has built its reputation on an “anytime, pay‑per‑visit” model that attracts price‑sensitive customers seeking convenience. With a network of more than 250 clubs across the United Kingdom, Jetts has consistently positioned itself as a budget‑friendly alternative to full‑service gyms. The brand’s rapid expansion into Europe, Asia and Australia has been driven by a focus on high‑traffic locations and an aggressive membership recruitment strategy.
Jetts’ Australian operations, which opened their first club in Sydney in 2016, quickly became a significant contributor to the company’s global revenue. By 2021, the brand had secured over 30 clubs across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, boasting a membership base that outpaced many regional competitors. However, the Australian gym sector has seen a shift toward boutique studios and digital‑first fitness solutions—a trend that may have influenced Jetts’ decision to exit the market.
Why Sell?
According to the Daily Mail article, Jetts’ management cites “strategic realignment” as the primary reason for the sale. The company’s parent group—Jetts Global Ltd—has been restructuring its portfolio to focus on core markets where it has the strongest brand equity and highest profitability. By divesting its Australian franchise, Jetts hopes to streamline operations and invest more heavily in its UK and European franchises.
Industry analysts suggest that the sale may also be a response to the high operational costs associated with Australian real estate and the competitive pressure from larger, full‑service gyms. “Australia’s market dynamics are quite different from the UK,” notes an unnamed expert quoted in the article. “Higher rents, stricter health regulations, and a consumer base that increasingly prefers boutique or virtual fitness options have put pressure on budget chains.”
The Buyer and the Deal
While the Daily Mail did not disclose the buyer’s identity in detail, sources indicate that the deal involves a well‑established Australian fitness operator—FitCo Holdings—which already runs several successful gym chains across the country. FitCo’s strategy is to expand its footprint by acquiring proven brands with a loyal customer base. The acquisition will reportedly be structured as a franchise transfer rather than a full corporate takeover, allowing Jetts’ existing franchisees to continue operating under the Jetts brand for a set period before a phased transition.
Financial specifics were not released, but estimates put the valuation of the Australian franchise at approximately $15–$20 million. The sale is expected to close by the end of the fiscal year, subject to regulatory approvals.
Impact on Members and Employees
For Jetts’ Australian members, the transition should be relatively seamless. The Daily Mail article notes that members will retain their current subscription terms and will be informed of any changes in the coming weeks. Employees, meanwhile, will likely be absorbed into FitCo’s workforce, preserving most of the existing staff roster. However, the article warns that the new owner may eventually implement a restructuring plan to integrate operations more tightly with its existing brands.
“While the sale is a sign of Jetts’ shift away from Australia, it’s not necessarily a sign of decline for members,” the article says. “FitCo’s track record of maintaining brand standards should provide a level of continuity for gym-goers.”
The Wider Industry Context
The Jetts sale comes at a time when the global fitness industry is undergoing significant consolidation. In recent months, major players such as Anytime Fitness, PureGym, and Equinox have either merged or spun off regional subsidiaries. The trend is driven largely by the pandemic‑induced shift toward hybrid and digital‑first fitness models, as well as the need for gyms to reduce fixed costs in an era of uncertain footfall.
Other news pieces linked in the Daily Mail article paint a picture of a market in flux. For instance, a separate report highlighted how “Gym closures in Australia hit a 20‑year low” following a new wave of pandemic restrictions. Another piece noted that “Australian gym memberships rose by 12% in 2023, but profitability dipped as rents increased.” These developments underscore why Jetts may have chosen to exit a market that, while lucrative, presents mounting operational challenges.
Looking Ahead
Jetts Fitness’ decision to sell its Australian franchise signals a strategic pivot toward markets where the brand can dominate without facing the same level of regulatory and cost pressures. The sale is expected to free up capital that can be reinvested in technology upgrades, new club locations, and enhanced membership benefits—factors that could bolster Jetts’ competitive position in the UK and across Europe.
For FitCo Holdings, the acquisition offers an established brand with a loyal customer base, enabling the company to deepen its market penetration in Australia without starting from scratch. Members, meanwhile, can look forward to a transition that preserves their access to low‑cost, flexible gym options while potentially benefiting from FitCo’s broader network of facilities and services.
In short, Jetts’ exit from Australia reflects a broader industry realignment that balances geographic focus with the demands of an increasingly digital, customer‑centric fitness landscape. Whether this strategic repositioning will pay off remains to be seen, but the move certainly signals that even entrenched players must adapt to survive in an ever‑changing market.
Read the Full Daily Mail Article at:
[ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15304541/Fitness-Jetts-set-SOLD-Australia.html ]
