HASTINGS, Minn. and NEW DELHI: Anytime Fitness, the world's largest co-ed chain of health clubs, has signed a master franchise agreement for India with New Delhi-based House of Fitness Pvt. Ltd. 

"We are extremely enthusiastic about the growth potential for Anytime Fitness in India," states John Kersh, Vice President of International Development for Anytime Fitness.  "Our Indian associates from House of Fitness are well-respected and they have a solid combination of fitness industry experience and business acumen which, we are sure, will contribute to strong performance of the brand."

According to statistics from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association's 2012 Global Report on the State of the Health Club Industry, less than one tenth of one percent of the Indian population are members of health clubs.  This figure is in sharp contrast to the United States, where over 17% of the total population are health club members, and to Europe, where more than 10% of the population are members in the majority of countries.

"Indians are becoming increasingly health conscious and the Anytime Fitness concept provides a perfect solution for busy people looking for a comfortable and convenient facility in which to exercise," stated Vishal Kwatra, COO of House of Fitness.

The recently-concluded agreement follows a master franchise format, in which House of Fitness will develop their own Anytime Fitness gyms, sell sub-franchises and provide on-going support to franchisees, and will promote and market the brand in India.  Anytime Fitness will, in turn, provide exclusive rights to House of Fitness for use of the brand's trademarks, systems and intellectual property during the term of the agreement, and will support the master franchisee via its corporate headquarters in the United States.

This is the second foray into the Indian market for Anytime Fitness.  Four Anytime Fitness clubs had been opened under a prior master franchise agreement with a different company, but that relationship terminated following that master franchisee's failure to comply with the terms of its master franchise agreement."

About Anytime Fitness
Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness is now the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with nearly 2,000 clubs worldwide. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly, well-maintained facilities that feature top-quality exercise equipment. Clubs are now open in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Grand Cayman and Japan, and members everywhere have free reciprocal access to all clubs worldwide.

About House of Fitness
House of Fitness (HoF) has been established by a group of professionals to provide the best possible fitness facilities across India. The HoF management has been associated with the fitness industry for the past several years in various capacities.   The management of HoF has been involved in setting up several gym facilities in India and has provided state-of the art fitness equipment to various gyms in the country.  Backed by vast experience, HoF is well-positioned to take the unique franchisee model of Anytime Fitness to a new level in India.

SOURCE Anytime Fitness