PureGym, one of the world’s leading gym operators, has signed an agreement to acquire a Swiss business for £235m in a cross-border deal supported by Browne Jacobson. 

The UK and Ireland law firm advised PureGym during the transaction with NonStop Gym (NSG), one of Switzerland's biggest low-cost fitness businesses with 47 sites. 

The deal, which is expected to complete on 2 November, will bring together two highly complementary gym networks to create Switzerland’s leading low-cost fitness operator. The combined business will have more than 100 gyms by the end of 2026.

PureGym, which is headquartered in Leeds and majority-owned by US private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners, has developed a world-leading operation of more than 700 low-cost, flexible and high-quality fitness clubs across six markets – the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, US, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. 

This is the second international transaction in which Browne Jacobson has advised PureGym, having previously worked on its 2020 acquisition of Denmark-headquartered Fitness World. The firm’s real estate team, led by Sarah Parkinson, also provides ongoing support to PureGym on property matters relating to its UK retail operation. 

Mark Hughes, Partner in private equity, led the Browne Jacobson team that advised PureGym, working closely with Swiss law firm Bär & Karrer. Support was also provided by Gavin Bluett and William Darmody, partners in the corporate team.  

Mark said: “PureGym is one of the UK’s big success stories having expanded significantly in recent years via strategic acquisitions and organic growth. We’re proud to have played a supporting role in two of those key transactions, which have helped the business to establish a strong foothold in key markets within Europe. 

“Having worked with the company since its early days, we’re proud to have built strong relationships with key members of the leadership team and eagerly await what’s next in PureGym’s exciting future. This is exactly the type of ambitious, high-quality business that our private equity team enjoys working with.”

Miles Miller, Chief Transformation and Technology Officer at PureGym, added: “During any major transaction, it’s always important to be supported by teams of experts who have a deep understanding of our business and this is exactly what we had in Browne Jacobson. It was a pleasure to work with Mark and the team again.”

PureGym’s acquisition of NSG follows its purchase of Blink Fitness in the US in 2024, demonstrating its commitment to expanding a presence in attractive international fitness markets and building market-leading positions. 

The acquisition will create a broader national network, strengthen PureGym's market leadership and provide a foundation for continued organic expansion.

PureGym intends to retain NSG's established operational capabilities and team, while providing access to the resources, investment capacity and experience of a larger international fitness group. NSG will be rebranded as PureGym in due course to create a consistent national identity.

Commenting on the acquisition, Alex Wood, Chief Executive Officer of PureGym, said: “This acquisition is an important step in PureGym's international growth strategy and demonstrates our continued ambition to invest in attractive markets where we believe we can build strong, sustainable businesses. We look forward to welcoming the NSG team and building the next chapter together.”