Finess innovator Leon McNiece has joined forces with World Gym Australia partners Jon Davie and Mike Nysten in a move that will see the brand expand across Australia and New Zealand.
McNiece is the founder of Goodlife Health Clubs Australia, Snap Fitness Australia/NZ, and is the current owner of Total Fusion Health and Wellness clubs. This latest project, the purchase of an equal shareholding of World Gym Australia master franchise, will position WGA as the largest big box chain in Australia.
This new partnership sees WGA CEO Roger Westerman once again teaming up with McNiece after their successful business partnership in establishing and growing Goodlife Health Clubs into one of Australia’s most prominent fitness brands in the 2000s.
Over the last 12 months, Westerman has established a WGA corporate office, setting up the team, structure, and processes to support the growth and profitability of the brand.
While continuing the franchising model, the group will also be introducing a World Gym Platinum club model and fast-tracking corporate clubs across Australia. WGA currently has over 140,000 members across 40 clubs in Australia with 10 clubs in the process of opening in the next 12 months, across QLD, NSW, WA and NT.
The partnership will see the rapid expansion of large box facilities across Victoria, South Australia, WA, and ACT. With an influx of interest in the brand, World Gym Australia is looking for multi-unit holders inside the current franchising group as well as new Franchisee wanting to establish their first club. A syndication model is also in the pipeline allowing investors to enter in a more affordable scenario given the ever-increasing costs of opening clubs in Australia.
McNiece says over the next five years, World Gym Australia will see strong growth in the number of successful corporate clubs Australia wide, as well as the continued expansion of the franchisee network.
Mike Nysten, Director of World Gym Australia, said that “With a gross sales turnover exceeding 100M last financial year and growth projected to be 25% increase annually, this partnership will open up our ability to evolve, grow and continue to provide fantastic workout spaces and experiences for our members”.