Madonna to Open Third Hard Candy Fitness Center in St. Petersburg, Russia

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Madonna's third Hard Candy Fitness Center in St. Petersburg, Russia, a beautifully designed 52,000 square foot space in the center of the city is projected to open in mid-2011, it was confirmed today by Mark Mastrov, Chairman of New Evolution Ventures (NeV). The announcement of this latest facility follows the recent opening of the Mexico City Hard Candy Fitness and confirmation of plans for a Hard Candy Fitness Center in Moscow.

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The St. Petersburg location holds special meaning for Madonna. "St Petersburg, Russia was one of the most magical nights on my 'Sticky & Sweet' Tour and I'm thrilled that we've found the perfect location and ideal environment there for the next Hard Candy Fitness," commented Madonna.

Both the Moscow and St. Petersburg location will be in partnership with Irina Razumova, founder of the well-known Russian chain Planet Fitness.  "We are honored to collaborate with Madonna and her team in designing and developing a beautiful facility like no other in the world," stated Razumova.

NeV's Mastrov, his partner Jim Rowley, along with Madonna and Guy Oseary are also exploring options of building additional Hard Candy locations in Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, for facilities that will offer a unique member experience. Hard Candy Fitness Centers will include state of the art equipment, exclusive curriculum along with Mind Body Studio, The Great Wall, Sculpting, barre3, a Bike Studio, Capoeira, the newest trends in Yoga, a Juice Bar/Cafe and lavish locker rooms.

"The early success of the first Hard Candy Fitness Center in Mexico City - where Madonna taught a dance class to members at the opening - has inspired us all to create similar facilities and seek out local partnerships around the globe which embody Madonna's workout philosophy.  St. Petersburg and other locations of Hard Candy Fitness will be a place where members will enjoy their workout experience in a beautiful environment in each city," commented Mastrov.

Due to tremendous interest and the many inquiries NeV has received from all over the world about Hard Candy Fitness Centers, fans have been asked to voice their choice for the next location by going to www.madonna.com/hardcandyfitness and vote on the interactive map for your dream location. 

About New Evolution Ventures (NeV)

Based in Northern California, New Evolution Ventures (NeV) is a private equity firm focused on acquisition, development, management and operation of fitness, media and sports entities both domestically and internationally.  Co-Founded in 2008 by Mark Mastrov, Jim Rowley and Mike Feeney, the current team of NeV professionals is shaping the world of fitness, media, and sports one brand at a time.  With a foundation representing over a century of business experience, NeV currently has operations and investments in over 20 countries worldwide.  For more information, please visit http://www.newevolutionventures.com.

SOURCE New Evolution Ventures