Fitness Ventures announced the acquisition of 22 Crunch Fitness locations from Harman Fitness, expanding its footprint to 115 locations across 30 states and making it the largest franchise operator in the Crunch Fitness system.
The acquired clubs are located across California and Texas. Following the transaction, Fitness Ventures said it is on pace to surpass 130 locations by the end of 2026. The company also plans to invest more than $50 million into facility upgrades across the Southern California and Houston markets.
Fitness Ventures CEO Brian Hibbard said the acquisition marks a major milestone for the company, which signed its first lease a decade ago.
The company has been backed by private equity firm Meaningful Partners since August 2024. Meaningful Partners Co-Founder and Managing Partner Amin Maredia said the firm has worked closely with Fitness Ventures’ management team to help scale the platform into one of the largest franchisee businesses across multi-unit concepts globally.
Hibbard also praised Harman Fitness founders Curtis and David Harman for building a strong regional platform, adding that Fitness Ventures plans to continue expanding opportunities for employees and members nationwide.
Curtis Harman, CEO of Harman Fitness, said Fitness Ventures has developed a strong operating platform and leadership team, making it the right long-term fit for the clubs, members, and employees.
All acquired locations will continue operating under the Crunch Fitness brand.
Founded in 2016, Fitness Ventures is one of the fastest-growing operators in the high-value, low-price fitness category. The company said it also utilizes proprietary AI technology to help drive operational performance across its portfolio.
Meaningful Partners is a consumer-focused lower middle-market private equity firm with offices in Los Angeles and Austin. The firm focuses on sectors including multi-unit food and services, food and beverage, pet, and beauty.
Crunch Fitness currently serves more than three million members through over 500 gyms worldwide.
KEY QUOTES:
“Ten years ago this month, we signed our first lease. Since then, we have been focused on disciplined growth, strong execution, and building a platform, not just a collection of gyms. This acquisition is a major milestone for our company, but we believe we are just getting started. We truly believe we are redefining what a successful fitness franchise operation can look like.”
“We have tremendous respect for what Curtis and David Harman have built across Southern California and Houston, and our team looks forward to building on that foundation and continuing to grow opportunities for our team coast to coast.”
Brian Hibbard, CEO, Fitness Ventures
“Since our acquisition of Fitness Ventures in August 2024, we have partnered closely with Brian and his management team, applying Meaningful Partners’ extensive experience in scaling multi-unit franchisor and franchisee platforms to help position Fitness Ventures in becoming one of the largest franchisee business across any multi-unit concept globally.”
“With passion and dedication, Brian and his management team are real-time building what we refer to at Meaningful Partners as a world-class enduring business.”
Amin Maredia, Co-Founder And Managing Partner, Meaningful Partners
“Fitness Ventures has built an outstanding operating platform and leadership team. We are proud of what we built, and we believe Fitness Ventures is the right long-term home for our clubs, our members, and our people.”
Curtis Harman, CEO, Harman Fitness
