1. #1
    Presser's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Posts
    41,686
    Rep Power
    2147525355

    Default 24 Hour Fitness weighs bankruptcy as coronavirus pushes fitness industry to brink

    Gym chain 24 Hour Fitness is working with advisors at investment bank Lazard and law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges to weigh options including a bankruptcy that could come as soon as the next few months, people familiar with the matter tell CNBC.

    The chain is grappling with a heavy debt load, deteriorating performance and a coronavirus pandemic that forced it to shut its more than 400 clubs. The mid-priced fitness studio is already struggling to compete against premium rivals like Equinox and cheaper competitors like Planet Fitness.



    Credit ratings agency Moody’s recently downgraded the chain over worries around its “negative membership trends, very high-interest burden and negative free cash flow prior to the coronavirus outbreak, as well as approaching maturities to provide limited flexibility to manage through the crisis.”

    It has an $837 million term loan with a so-called springing maturity in March 2022 and $500 million in unsecured notes maturing in June 2022, if more than a fifth of those notes remain outstanding.

    San Ramon, California-based 24 Hour Fitness had roughly $1.5 billion in sales in 2019, and less than $1 million in cash, according to Moody’s. It is controlled by AEA Investors, which acquired it through a $1.8 billion deal with Fitness Capital Partners and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan in 2014.

    The people, who requested anonymity because the information is confidential, cautioned that bankruptcy is not definite, and may still be avoided. Spokespeople for Lazard and Weil, Gotshal & Manges as well as 24 Hour Fitness did not respond to requests for comment. AEA declined to comment.



















    Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau on in-home workouts and reopening gyms







    The gym chain is one of many fitness companies that has been under pressure after states ordered they close their doors to help prevent further spread of the virus. 24 Hour Fitness announced on March 16 it was closing all its clubs, later acknowledging the closures may last for “an extended period of time” due to coronavirus.




    BULK SARM SCIENCES



    It has said it would suspend all membership billings effective this week if it was unable to reopen its clubs.

    Its struggles are emblematic of broader challenges and questions the fitness industry must face. Even after gyms reopen, mounting unemployment may mute appetite for excess costs like gym membership. There remain questions as to how many people will be comfortable working out in a crowded environment.

    “We need to limit indoor activities that are purely recreational, especially those where there are a lot of shared surfaces that can be contaminated,” said former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. “Bars and gyms fall squarely in that category.”

    Many fitness chains have sought to offer at-home options during the pandemic, but it is unclear how many will be able to generate revenue from those options at a scale large enough to compensate for what may be permanently lost gym memberships.

    In hopes of securing financial relief, the industry has stepped up its lobbying efforts in recent months, hiring multiple D.C. firms. Trade group International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association is pushing for expanded eligibility under the small business program, business interruption insurance and rent relief.

    The industry scored a victory this past week when the administration said gyms would be among the first to reopen business in a 3-phase plan, provided gyms “adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols.” The recommendation to open gyms before school raised some eyebrows. Trump has invited a number of high-ranking executives to advise him on plans to reopen U.S. businesses, including The Related Companies’ Stephen Ross, which owns Equinox.

    A hit to the gym industry comes as private equity investors have poured money into the space, looking to take advantage of recent trends in health. They’ve also sought to find a new industry to invest in, as retail has been roiled. TPG Growth acquired Crunch Fitness last year; L Catterton has a stake in Soul Cycle-owner Equinox; North Capital Partners owns SLT, Barry’s Bootcamp and other brands.



    Click here to view the article.
    24 Hour Fitness weighs bankruptcy as coronavirus pushes fitness industry to brink

  2. #2
    MuscleChemistry Guru Board Certified DMD
    Durro's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Posts
    593
    Rep Power
    2147484249

    Default

    That sucks and scary at the same time! I’ve always wanted to go check them out. If they stay open I hope they do I’ll go visit them.
    Likes Presser liked this post
     

  3. #3
    Presser's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Posts
    41,686
    Rep Power
    2147525355

    Default

    It’s not a bad gym in all honesty!!
    24 Hour Fitness weighs bankruptcy as coronavirus pushes fitness industry to brink

  4. #4
    Registered Member Board Certified Psy.D
    Ashop's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Posts
    422
    Rep Power
    2147484092

    Default

    I was emailed a lengthy list of gyms closing all over the world. Big chains like Golds in there was well. The gym business is tough enough even without a pandemic.
     

  5. #5
    MuscleChemistry Guru Board Certified CPH
    yellow snow's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    1,835
    Rep Power
    2147485491

    Default

    they say people will be concerned about returning............if you are on this board, I believe as soon as the gym opens you will be there. Now it may hurt them with the older crowd that uses the gym as a social hour or don't use it at all but still pay the monthly membership dues.

    People are going to be dying to get in the gym after packing on the "corona 15" ( more like 25) and summer is here!!
    Likes Presser liked this post
     
    Beach bodies are made in the winter.

  6. #6
    MuscleChemistry Guru Board Certified DMD
    Durro's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Posts
    593
    Rep Power
    2147484249

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by yellow snow View Post
    they say people will be concerned about returning............if you are on this board, I believe as soon as the gym opens you will be there. Now it may hurt them with the older crowd that uses the gym as a social hour or don't use it at all but still pay the monthly membership dues.

    People are going to be dying to get in the gym after packing on the "corona 15" ( more like 25) and summer is here!!
     

  7. #7
    Presser's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Posts
    41,686
    Rep Power
    2147525355

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Durro View Post
    lmao, I aint even going to lie, I would LOVE for the Cut Off Belly Shirts To Make Their Way back In to Fashion Today! FOR REALS! Though the socks pulled up i never even did that shit when it was cool, and that was in Junior high lol
    Thanks Durro thanked for this post
    Likes Durro, yellow snow liked this post
     
    24 Hour Fitness weighs bankruptcy as coronavirus pushes fitness industry to brink

  8. #8
    Presser's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Posts
    41,686
    Rep Power
    2147525355

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by yellow snow View Post
    they say people will be concerned about returning............if you are on this board, I believe as soon as the gym opens you will be there. Now it may hurt them with the older crowd that uses the gym as a social hour or don't use it at all but still pay the monthly membership dues.

    People are going to be dying to get in the gym after packing on the "corona 15" ( more like 25) and summer is here!!
    Yeah, lets hope so! GYMS might wanna get those germicide uv lights too, help set peoples minds at ease a bit more maybe, idk

    I do know I havent left the fucking house for shit but basics, and can not wait to get out, but im also in the top hot spot so we arent opening jack shit any time soon
    Likes yellow snow liked this post
     
    24 Hour Fitness weighs bankruptcy as coronavirus pushes fitness industry to brink

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Log in

Log in