Planet Fitness Franchisee Acquires 13 Clubs in Georgia, South Carolina

Sunshine Fitness Growth Holdings, a U.S. operator of Planet Fitness clubs in the Southeast, recently acquired 13 franchise clubs in South Carolina and Georgia from Anchor Fitness LLC. This brings Sunshine Fitness’ total facility count to 80.

Sunshine Fitness is owned by private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners, San Francisco, the prior majority owner of Planet Fitness. TSG acquired a majority stake in Sunshine Fitness in December 2017.

“We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional new club members and employees into the Sunshine Fitness family,” Sunshine Fitness Co-CEO Shane McGuiness said in an April 4 media release. “As we continue to grow, we are excited to provide an affordable and non-intimidating fitness experience to even more members and even greater growth opportunities for our employees.”

This acquisition marks Sunshine Fitness’ third acquisition in the last calendar year. In May 2018, Sunshine Fitness acquired two franchise groups representing 31 clubs across Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Sunshine Fitness was founded by McGuiness and Eric Dore, who opened the first franchised Planet Fitness location in Altamonte Springs, Florida, in 2003. The Orlando-based group operates clubs in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina.

In January, Planet Fitness ranked No. 7 on Entrepreneur's 2019 Franchise 500 list, The list is based on size, growth, brand strength, financial strength and financial stability.

Planet Fitness ranked sixth on Club Industry's Top 100 Health Clubs of 2018. The company is the highest-ranking franchisor on the list.