Anytime Fitness Coming Soon to Poland

HASTINGS, Minn., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Anticipating enthusiastic responses from consumers and investors alike, Wayzata Poland Z.O.O., a subsidiary of Wayzata Capital, signed an Area Development Agreement to operate Anytime Fitness clubs in Poland.

The signing comes just weeks after Anytime Fitness announced plans to open clubs in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), and Japan.

MG Kaminski and Robert Lada currently operate Wayzata Capital, a Minnesota-based assets management firm that deals in Eastern European securities. Kaminski is a native of Poland, and Lada has spent significant time there and speaks the language.  Their strong understanding of European culture, and the growth that lies within the region's business environment, gives them a distinct competitive advantage.  

"This is a great business opportunity," says Kaminski. "We've spent our lives helping clients achieve excellent long-term rates of return through smart investments, so we know what works. We see great potential for Anytime Fitness' 24-hour business model to thrive in Poland."

Wayzata Poland plans to open three clubs within the next two years. The first club is already under development, and is scheduled to open in Warsaw by November 2010 - an early indicator that additional clubs will open rapidly.  The long-term plan is to have 10 clubs operational in Warsaw and then move into other Polish cities.

Lada adds, "Anytime Fitness is a natural fit for the emerging consumer class in Poland.  A fitness model like this doesn't currently exist. Consumers will be drawn to the convenience, affordability, and high level of customer service that Anytime Fitness offers."

Wayzata Poland holds the right to expand the ADA into a master franchise agreement at a later time.  This would include the option of selling sub-franchises to qualified individuals in Poland, in addition to owning and operating their own Anytime Fitness clubs.

"Polish consumers continue to gain economic power, and Anytime Fitness is well positioned to benefit from their emerging interest in health and fitness," says John Kersh, Vice President of International Development for Anytime Fitness.  "We are also fortunate to be working with business partners who are experienced in getting things done on the ground in Poland."

Membership fees at the Polish clubs are expected to be in the US$30 – US$40 per month range. Similar to Anytime Fitness clubs in the United States, the gyms in Poland will feature a wide variety of cardio equipment and strength training machines, and be accessible to members 24 hours a day.

About Anytime Fitness

Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness provides nearly 1,000,000 members with convenient and affordable fitness options at more than 1,300 friendly, well-maintained facilities featuring top-quality exercise equipment.  Members who join one Anytime Fitness club can use any of the other clubs at no additional charge.  State-of-the-art security and surveillance systems ensure member safety even during unstaffed hours.  For more information about becoming an Anytime Fitness franchisee, or to find the club nearest you, visit www.anytimefitness.com. Anytime Fitness connects with the health and fitness community online via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Anytime Health.

SOURCE Anytime Fitness