El Cap, Englewood, Colorado, the parent entity of climbing gym chains Earth Treks and Planet Granite, has acquired Movement Climbing + Fitness, according to a Nov. 6 media release. El Cap now has the largest footprint of climbing gyms in Colorado with the acquisition of Movement's three Denver-area facilities.
Earth Treks was founded by alpinist Chris Warner in 1990 and currently operates gyms in Maryland, Virginia and Colorado. El Cap is targeting potential expansions in the Chicago and Dallas areas, a company spokesperson told Club Industry.
Movement was founded in 2009 by Anne-Worley Moelter and Mike Moelter and has two locations in Denver and one in Boulder, Colorado.
“As core climbers and fitness enthusiasts, Mike and I believe that joining El Cap creates an incredible opportunity for building strength in our industry,” Anne said in the media release. “We have worked with some of the key El Cap team members for a long time and believe that together we can provide an unparalleled experience for members and guests. Mike and I have stayed consistently active in the industry, and we believe this step creates the best chance to affect positive change across the board.”
Earth Treks partnered with private equity firm Tengram Capital Partners in March 2017, and the El Cap umbrella was established after Earth Treks merged with Planet Granite—the operator of six climbing gyms in Oregon and California—in November 2017.
Members of El Cap-owned gyms will have access to any of their sister facilities, regardless of brand, as of Nov. 11.
“This is a very special opportunity for us all,” El Cap CEO Robert Cohen said in the release. “Movement Climbing + Fitness’ premier locations and high-quality services align with El Cap’s climbing gyms, and they have an impressive team that supports these functions. These gyms will expand access with one membership and allow us to collectively continue our work in building a stronger climbing community for all to participate in.”