Dutch fitness giant Basic-Fit has announced the acquisition of Clever Fit, a major European gym franchise operating 493 clubs across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, and the Czech Republic.

The €160 million transaction, expected to be finalised by the end of 2025, establishes Basic-Fit as Europe’s largest fitness franchise. By acquiring 493 clubs, most of them in Germany, the Dutch company positions itself as a market leader in the country. Overall, Basic-Fit will now be present in 12 countries, up from six a year ago, expanding its network from 1,575 clubs in 2024 to over 2,150.

Germany was previously among Basic-Fit’s weakest markets, with just 28 clubs reported in 2024. By taking over Clever Fit, the company adds 406 clubs in Germany alone, dramatically increasing its footprint in the country. France remains Basic-Fit’s largest market, with 858, followed by the Netherlands (241), and Belgium (229).

The acquisition marks another milestone in Basic Fit’s aggressive expansion plan, in which franchising plays an increasingly central role. While the company had already announced the launch of a franchising platform, it confirmed on Monday that its planned 2026 expansion of 100 company-owned clubs will now be reduced to 50, underlining its franchise-fuelled growth.

This recent move follows a similar strategy which helped strengthen the Dutch company’s position in Spain, when it acquired 47 clubs from the RDG group in 2023, a transaction which included both McFit and Holmes Place locations.

With this acquisition, Basic-Fit becomes Europe’s largest chain of fitness centres. Known for its low-cost memberships and self-service approach to working out, the gym giant reported 9,837 employees in 2024, not counting staff in the 10 Luxembourg locations, which are all subcontracted workers.

Basic-Fit's expansion reflects a broader upward trend in physical exercise across Europe. According to the Eurobarometer 2022 report, the percentage of Europeans registered in a health or fitness centre increased in 24 out of 27 member states since 2017. Luxembourg, in particular, ranks among the most active countries, second only to Finland in regular exercise. Yet, despite Luxembourg’s enthusiasm for fitness, Basic-Fit is yet to announce further expansion in the Grand Duchy.